New league format gets thumbs up

FROM the off, the island's top netball coaches have hailed the new Condor Ferries Premier League a success. With the top flight being reduced to five teams at the start of the season, last week's opening matches were competitive and entertaining affairs. Nerine B took care of Fortis Sarnians One 23-11, while Nerine C got the better of TCCI 44-26.

'I think it's going to go well,' said Nerine coach Gill Queripel.

'We are getting tighter scores. It's early days, but I'll give it the thumbs up at the moment.

'Let's hope the momentum keeps going.'

Her opposite number at Sarnians, Bridget Yabsley, is also the Guernsey Netball Association president. She was instrumental in bringing about the changes and has no doubts.

'I think they are going to be a success,' she said.

'I think it's going to be a tighter league. Time will tell, but looking at league teams, there is a good spread of girls and that will make it a more competitive league.

'Our match was very even and competitive. It was low-scoring because it was the start of the season and the girls are getting into it.'

The Nerine and Sarnians opener went goal for goal during the early exchanges, but it was Nerine who edged ahead by collecting the loose balls and tightly marking their opponents.

As expected for the opening clash of the season, both teams proved to be match rusty.

This came to light in the second quarter as Nerine made things hard for themselves by resorting to firing long balls into the shooting circle from just inside the goal third.

Sarnians goalkeeper Tracie Hards plucked the ball out of the air on a number of occasions to put her team back in attack.

Hards had a brilliant game after spending last season away from the sport to concentrate on the London Marathon, which she successfully completed. Nerine's new signing, goal shooter Riska Strydom, also had a top game.

The South African converted her shots with quick execution. After bouncing back in the third quarter, Sarnians were unable to make their shots count and this proved to be their undoing.

Their promising new goal shooter, 17-year-old Laura Callaway, struggled with her range as Nerine's defence of Amy Wright and Gemma Loveridge picked up the pieces and fed the ball out well.

Nerine never looked like losing their lead as they took a 12-point victory.

'It was a good game,' said Queripel.

'Had Sarnians converted their shots, it would have been closer. Laura has got a good partner in Jane Fear and she'll bring her on.'

In the other Premier match, Nerine C v. TCCI, it was the former who dominated the proceedings from the outset through some good shooting by Kiara de Carteret and veteran Denise Bourgaize.

TCCI's cause was not helped when their talented goalkeeper, Sarah Harris, had to go off with an injury.

Nerine took full advantage of their extra player to stroll home by 22 points.