Six teams confirmed for first mixed competition

MEN will be competing in the Guernsey Netball Open for the first time this weekend. Organisers of the 10th open at Beau Sejour are marking the landmark occasion with the introduction of a mixed competition, which has attracted six teams.

'It's our 10th tournament and we wanted to do something a little bit different,' said tournament referee Gill Queripel.

'Colin Hill, the coach of SAS who are regular visitors, is an England men's international and is bringing a mixed team over to go with the five local sides.

The biennial open has attracted 24 teams for the traditional all-female competition, with 12 English and two Jersey sides joining local clubs.

Queripel's own Nerine A are the reigning champions after an exciting final two years ago.

They will be out to retain their crown.

'We are always looking to defend the title, but it is not going to be easy,' she said.

'Tournaments are such a different animal from what we normally play. They are always going to be fast and furious and hard fought out.'

However, there is also a special camaraderie among the teams off court.

Some of the visitors from Tringham and Oakley will be playing in their 10th open and Queripel said that much of the reason for that was the 'very friendly atmosphere'.

'We are pleased that it has stood the test of time. Although we still look at different avenues we could go down, such as introducing the mixed tournament, we are delighted to see the regulars coming back every time.'

Included among the English sides are two newcomers - Swans and XL - whom the island side, under the Nerine banner, will play this season in the South Region League.

In fact, Nerine's home fixture against Swans in the league takes place tonight at 9.30 after the opening session of the open.

The Guernsey outfit will be looking to build on their win against Applemore.

'It is going to be tight but we do not know much about them.

'They sit above us in the table by virtue of having played more games: other than that I have very little information on them.

'We are hoping for a good, tough match and a win, obviously,' Queripel said.