Queripel has proved the doubters totally wrong

'IT WILL never work' was what a section of the local netball fraternity told Gill Queripel back in 1988 when the first summer league season got under way. It had a handful of teams and was played on two courts at the Grammar School.

Since then it has gone from strength to strength.

This year the league has been played on four week nights using three courts at Beau Sejour with six games per evening involving 55 teams in total.

The idea behind it was to get women back into netball and to serve as a taster for the winter league.

Men were introduced to the game in 2000 and today Queripel can boast that 27 mixed teams have pounded the courts for the last seven weeks.

The basic rules are played - contact, obstruction and footwork - and, once mastered, the standard of netball is good and improving each season.

The females who play winter league are not allowed to play their positions in the summer version and each team has to provide an umpire, although experienced ones Nigel Stafford-Gill, Donna Brehaut and Joan Ozanne ensure that the rules are obeyed and the safety of the players while keeping the game flowing.

From this season, the Guernsey Netball Association have two new senior island squad coaches in Jamie Roussel and James Robert.

Both have a basketball background, as many of the male players do, although other sports such as football, rugby, tennis and squash are also represented as the summer league is used to help maintain fitness.

Four divisional champions were decided during finals week when matches were of six minutes with no stoppages for injury.

The contenders for the mixed league division one title were reigning champions Northern Trust as well as Kate's Crusaders, Amy's Army and Post Office One.

It was last year's champions who came out on top once again as they defeated the Post Office side to retain the title.

In the second division, Post Office Two were victorious in a closely fought game with Gladiators while RBS converted more of their shots to overcome Mourants in division three, despite the latter's height advantage.

The division-four RBS side also won their title in a match decided by the odd goal against Da Silva Fernandes.

In the women's league, Blues & Tutus overcame Ship & Crown 2-1 to take the division one title while GA Naomi Taylor's penalty shot on the stroke of full time gave Northern Trust the division two honours over Cable & Wireless.

Again, one goal separated the division three finalists as Livvy's Loverlies overcame Louvre but Autumn Gold were more comfortable winners over Healthcare in division four.

Queripel, for whose Nerine Trust Club the summer league raises funds, was delighted with the success of the league and looks forward to teams returning next year.

'It is bigger than it has ever been. It's just manic with people wanting to play,' she said.

'The format seems to work. We started in 1988 with six teams and it has just gone bonkers.

'I think most people have enjoyed it because so many have said, ?We'll see you again next year?.'

n ANY men wanting to play serious netball during the winter against top Division One and Super League teams are asked to contact Joan Ozanne on 248231 or Gill Queripel on 07781 105092.

'We have some really good male players now and they will push the girls,' Queripel said.

'The standard is really improving, which is why we are trying to get a couple of men's teams together.

'We are also hoping to get the England men's team over and just see where we are in relation.'