All set for OECS Under-23 netball

By Donovan Matthews
Nevis Editor-SKNVibes.com

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CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – ALL systems are in place for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Under-23 Netball Competition which got underway last evening (July 2) at the Cultural Complex in Charlestown.

Some eight teams, including defending champions Grenada, will be vying for championship honours over a grueling four days.

Public Relations Officer of the Local Organising Committee Alistair Thompson told SKNVibes the fact that the tournament only has four playing days makes it tough for the players. He said each team is down to play the other, and having 28 matches scheduled means every side would play in each morning and evening sessions, leaving hardly any time to rest.

Thompson said some of the teams voiced their concerns about this and, as such, a meeting of the Technical Committee was summoned to work out a solution. An alternative plan, if accepted, would see the teams being placed in two zones with the winners meeting in a final.

The Nevis team, seeking to bring glory to the island, has been in training since January under coach Lydia Claxton-Thompson and physical trainer Masefield Nisbett.

The PRO described the team as being fairly new and said it was still developing as a unit.

“I’m trying to be as realistic as I can. I do not expect them to win this year. They have the talent and the skills; they only need to put it together, and I don’t think they can get it completely together for this year. However, if this unit sticks together next year and the following year could see them placing in the top three.”

Seven of the 10 players are making their debuts in this year’s competition.

Activities begun at 4:45 p.m. with a March Pass of the teams and officials, from the Treasury Apron in downtown Charlestown to the Netball Complex. The opening ceremony begun at 5:15 and the first games were scheduled to be played at 7:00 and 8:30 p.m.

According to Thompson, matches would be streamed live on the web site of the Nevis Netball Association www.nevisnetball.com. Results will be posted five minutes after a game along with still photographs.