They were unable to qualify in winning two of the eight 2x7min. contests they faced at Netball South’s Regional Open Play-offs, unfolding at Brighton’s Falmer Campus.
They had started with a 14-11 win against Thunderbirds and backed that up in style with their fifth game, claiming a terrific 10-6 victory in an especially physical clash against South Division Three demotions Meon.
But coach Naomi Szmierek feels the south are a ‘really strong region’ and the girls are generally not used to the level of physicality they faced.
‘The tournament is brutal,’ she said after sharing coaching duties with Nena Ellis and Kirsty Bourgaize.
‘When you’ve got 7min. halves, you’ve no time to grow into it.
‘In our league, the level of physicality that the girls go up against is not like what they came up against there.
‘But the girls really grew into it and one of the teams we won against was arguably the most physical team there.’
Their two wins aside, highlights included holding Swan to just one goal at half-time, though they eventually lost 16-7.
Ultimately, Swan snagged one of the three promotion places – more spots than had been anticipated – as the others went to Unknown Seven and Athena Bs.
Panthers’ result nevertheless marked a step-up since their win-less qualifying bid of the previous year.
It comes at a time of change for Guernsey Netball, with director Sally Carns leaving her post and experienced players Szmierek and Ellis stepping in to lead the squad’s preparations over a relatively short period.
‘Me and Nena spoke to the girls about really wanting to shift the culture of Guernsey netball at a performance level,’ Szmierek said.
‘I’ve been really impressed by their work rate and their motivation in training.’
The coach admitted the girls need to work on their consistency, having seen brilliant moments from all the players and especially in their defensive showing during the qualifier.
Ella Staples, Erin Sullivan, squad newcomer Anna Fazakerley, Kerys Chamberlain and captain Charlotte Hill all impressed on defence and turned over balls.
Staples showed her versatility with a circle switch – playing GS as effectively as GK – while Hill kept things under control nicely from the first centre pass.
Finding an alternative focus is paramount for Panthers, who last season managed to fill the void by competing in a newly-arranged CD Phoenix Regional League. There is some hope that Phoenix may host again after missing out in qualifying this year.
‘It’s so crucial that they get the opportunity to regularly run out against UK opposition,’ Szmierek added.
‘There was talk about a couple of the teams coming over to Guernsey for a friendly.
‘They need something to work towards.’
In terms of bigger, one-off aims, she has confirmed interest in the second Island Invitational Netball Games, which are set to unfold in Jersey from 30 October to 1 November.
