Charlestown, Nevis - The much anticipated Netball Business league in Nevis, got on the way last evening with some excitement.
Four of the six registered teams showed up on the parade square for the opening prayer and playing of the National anthem. Present were: Social Security; Four Seasons Resort Estates All stars team, TDC and the under 23 squad. Missing were: First Caribbean Bank and the CSS Teachers who all extended reasons for their absence along with apologies..
The opening ceremony was chaired by Allister Thompson, the Treasurer of the Association. President Jan Grell Hull promoted sports as a vehicle for human and social development and beseeched those present to aim for healthy lifestyles which could be achieved through proper diet, involvement in sports and other regular physical activity which would help the body to ward off disease germs.
Minister of Sports, Hon Hensley Daniel referred to a World Bank’s report which suggested that there was a need for people to work together and solve problems together. He expressed the thought that the involvement of the businesses in the league will enhance relationships between employees and encourage more production in the work places.
He noted that the Nevis Island Administration had already named the Netball Complex in honour of pioneers Cicely Grell Hull and Dora Stevens and indicated that one of the stands and the player’s pavilion will soon be named in honour of Jan Grell Hull; Lydia Thompson Claxton and Cresentia O’Flaherty.
He also beseeched the Netballers present to help in the coaching of the Primary school children as he moves towards making his stated goal of having a Primary School Netball tournament by the third term of the present school year, a reality.
The players’ oath was read by Delleon Pemberton and the Umpires’ oath was done by Lydia Thompson-Claxton.
Hon. Hensley Daniel then returned to officially declare the league open and stated emphatically: “The best team will win!”
The four teams then engaged in a knockout tournament utilizing just seven minutes per half.
The results of the matches played were as follows:
Game one: Social Security 13 Nevis under 23 team four
Game two: Four Seasons Resort Estates All stars six TDC one
Game three: (Losers’ show down) TDC 3 Nevis under 23 team 3 (at the end of regular time)
Both teams were allowed to play for an extra three minutes and the final score was:
TDC 5 Nevis under 23 team 3
Game four (The grand finals) - Social Security ran away with the first half with a scoreline of six goals without a whisper of a response from the Four Seasons Resort All stars.
However, the tables turned dramatically in the final half as the FSR All stars rebounded with vigour. With seconds ticking on the stop watch they had fought back to a score line of seven to six –in favour of Social Security. However, time ran out on their rebounding efforts and the Social Security team which included employees such as Fayola Tross, Varina Glasford, Orvis Tyson and Lesa Tyson who hugged the bench in favour of daughter Orlesia who took to the court in one game, was the team to celebrate. They were ably assisted by the experience of Lydia Thompson Claxton and Dionne Howell from the shooting ring and the energetic ‘Dudley’.
It was obvious to all that Social Security had shared out some much wanted Assistance Pension in the final half of the game, while it was mentioned that indeed it was ‘TDC for service-but maybe not TDC for Netball”!
It was obvious too that the under 23 team’s scoring rate was badly affected by the upcoming VAT and the Four Seasons Resort Estates shooting was off target due to the hotel’s present closure. The spectators had their full share of fun and so too the players.
League matches are expected to commence this weekend and are expected to provide even more excitement for the Netball fans.
