SVG Under-23 netballers seek number 13

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Under-23 netballers go in search of title number 13 when the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank OECS Netball Tournament shoots off tomorrow, Saturday, June 12, at the Keartons Hard Court{{more}}

That Central Leeward village in the town of Barrouallie will usher in the 20th edition of the tournament, which has been held without interruption since it was introduced in 1991.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which has its twelve previous titles under their belt, last won in 2007, when they successfully defended their crown in Antigua and Barbuda.

Nicole Sandy-Stevenson, coach of the local team, is optimistic that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will regain the title.

“We will win and I am sure of that,” Sandy-Stevenson told .Portugal winger Nani has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering an injury to his collar bone.

Manchester United’s Nani picked up the injury in training on Friday in Lisbon before flying to South Africa.

“After tests we conclude he is unfit to participate in the World Cup,” said a team statement.

The 23-year-old, who scored three goals in 11 appearances during qualification, will be replaced in Portugal’s squad by Benfica midfielder Ruben Amorim.

Amorim made 24 appearances for Benfica last season, helping the club to their first Portuguese title in five years.

The loss of Nani is a blow to Portugal as the winger had demonstrated impressive form for Manchester United during the second half of the 2009/10 season.