Weakened Nerine still too good

FIELDING their youngest ever side in national competition, Nerine won their fourth match in five starts to boost their promotion hopes from Southern Division Two. Gill Queripel's weakened side, average age just 19, triumphed 42-32 against Hystar at Oriel High School near Crawley, a victory that delighted the coach.

'The victory could lift them into second spot in the table and the side are exceeding expectations,' said the Nerine stalwart.

'We would expect to come in the top four or a good mid-table position, but this result should put us in second place.'

Next up, indoors at Beau Sejour, are the league leaders, NRG.

But the game may not go ahead and Nerine may be awarded a walkover.

'They are playing silly beggars,' said Queripel yesterday.

'They are top of the table but are not sure if they are coming on cost grounds, which makes us laugh.'

It would be especially galling for Nerine if NRG did not arrive.

'Nena, Claire, Cassie and Anna will all be back, being a home game.'

Meanwhile, plans are well advanced to get a domestic Super League off the ground indoors next season.

To be run separately from the Guernsey Netball Association Leagues, the new competition would endeavour to produce six evenly matched teams to play on a Thursday evening, possibly at the new indoor cricket facility at Hougue du Pommier, from October.

Club allegiances will be put aside for the new competition, with five of the island's top players being charged with going out to find others from not only elsewhere in the top division, but also the lower divisions where many good players wish to stay loyal to friends or work sides.

'They can still play with their peer group and friends in the GNA League,' said Queripel, who wants to see the best players from outside the island's dominant two clubs featuring.

'This way we hope to give them the best of both worlds and give access for them to play in a more competitive netball structure.'