Top netball stars find some 'Liberte'
THE successful air bridge has now worked its magic for netballers previously threatened with a long drought of off-island competition.
Guernsey will send men’s and women's’ squads to the Isle of Man on Saturday 19 September, when the new Panthers campaign would have been brewing.
The Butterfield Island Men were first to seize this opportunity – but it soon caught the eye of certain female players.
Island co-captain Charlotte Hill heads an inter-club side that blends several other regular caps with some newer faces, particularly from the freshly-formed Liberte team.
After a similar opportunity earlier this summer fell through, Hill is excited at what lies ahead.
‘It’s really good to be able to get away and play, especially with Panthers not entering the [South] league this year and inter-insulars being cancelled,’ she said.
‘Hopefully it could be something that continues throughout this season and could possibly become a regular fixture in the calendar for seasons to come.
‘We’ve obviously got a few regulars in the squad but it’s great to have some new faces showing interest and being given the opportunity as well.’
Men’s team coach Gill Queripel has welcomed two new members – Torryn Armstrong and Niall Hollingsworth – to a roster eager to capitalise on such opportunities.
‘The boys will be up for some competition – I understand the Isle of Man’s not been playing too long, so we’re hoping to do a bit of coaching with them as well,’ said Queripel.
Men: James Robert, Luke Penney, Luke Vaudin, Jack Medhurst, Richard Medhurst, Karl Abbotts, Torryn Armstrong, Niall Hollingsworth. Women: Donna Brehaut, Charlotte Hill, Ella Staples, Steph Batiste, Abbie Greening, Jess Mckenzie, Emma Mills, Viv Kemgne, Nat Carre, Kea Jonas.
