Maple revenges with Knock Out Punch

Vita Malt Maple left the 2010 Digicel National Netball Club Tournament with the Division One Knock Out title {{more}} as their own.

Maple revenged a defeat by arch rival Western Union Mitres/TRAC, in the league competition, to end their campaign on a high last Wednesday evening.

But it was not the usual keenly contested match between the two, and at some points, the encounter was dour.

It was twelve goals apiece at the end of the first quarter. Maple then established a four goal lead at the half way mark, 27-23.

In the third and decisive quarter, Mitres was guilty of faltering, as Maple, who won the Courts OECS Champion of Champions Club Tournament in May, finished 40-32, in the ascendancy.

With the heavy showers beating down on the Kingstown Netball Centre seeming to drown the fight in the players, the Maple shooters, however, ensured that they ended strongly, to win comfortably, 54-41, the largest margin of victory for either team in recent times in a crucial match.

Skiddy Francis Crick had perfect shooting on the night, as she converted all 42 of her 42 attempts.

Her Goal Attack, the evergreen Thelma Foster, was in her prime, scoring 12 of her 13 attempts.

For Mitres/ TRAC, Gailene Gordon scored 24 of her 29 and Javonne John contributed 17 from her 19.

This match marked the conclusion of the 2010 edition of the competition, as the presentation and closing ceremony followed thereafter.

Skiddy Francis-Crick was Most Accurate Senior Shooter, with Mary Ann Frederick of French Verandah X-Ceed, the Most Accurate Junior Shooter.

The Best Junior Defender was Kendra Lavia of French Verandah X-Ceed, with her teammate Shanice Daniel voted the Most Outstanding Junior Player.

Vasha Adams of Vita Malt Maple was adjudged the Best Senior Defender, as well as the Most Outstanding Senior Player.

The Best Centre Court Player award was copped by French Verandah X- Ceed’s Kayshuke Daniel, while Anella Samuel, the national Under-23 captain, and national senior team, Vice – Captain, was voted the Best Centre Court Senior Player.

Nature Care Netters was the Most Disciplined Team and Trendsetters Sports Club, the Most Improved Team.

Last Wednesday’s ceremony was addressed by President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association, Godfrey Harry, and Jerry George of the title sponsors, Digicel.