Industrial Netball Competition gets increased participation

Twelve teams, six more than last year, are competing in the 2011 edition of the Industrial Netball Competition.{{more}}

In the fray this year are Courts Power House, KPMG, Foreign Affairs, Sports Division, BRAGSA, Ministry of Housing, sponsored by Tribu Resorts, and Customs and Excise.

They join Combined Banks, C.W.S.A, Transport and Works, Ministry of Education Teachers and N.B.C Radio, all returning this year, while Bishop’s College Teachers and Associates are out in this round.

Such has been the response to the latest edition that orgainsers have been forced to divide the teams into two groups. Ministry of Education Teachers, which edged out NBC Radio 45-44 in the 2010 Finals, heads Group A, along with KPMG, Courts Power House, CWSA, Foreign Affairs and Transport and Works.The 2010 runners up, NBC Radio leads Group B, along with Combined Banks, newcomers Sports Division, BRAGSA, Tribu Resorts/Ministry of Housing, and Customs and Excise.

The first and second places from each group will advance to the semi finals.

NBC Radio sent an early warning that they are aiming to go one better than in 2010 when they stopped the energetic BRAGSA 27-16, as the competition got off to an exhilarating start last Sunday afternoon at the Kingstown Netball Centre.Led by ace goal shooter Skiddy Francis-Crick and mid court maestro Dellarice Duncan, NBC Radio never looked back after taking the first quarter by a one goal margin 6-5. It was 15-11 in the second quarter as NBC extended their lead, and ended the third quarter in the ascendancy, 24-13, before closing out the match in their favour.

The opening match followed the official ceremony and March Past, as ten of the twelve teams were present. And, for the second year running, CWSA was adjudged the best dressed team on parade. Taking the best banner award was BRAGSA. President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association, Godfrey Harry and Director of Physical Education and Sports Nelson Hillocks, gave brief remarks. Teams also gave a two minute presentation promoting their establishments.

The portly but nimble Javed Marksman provided some entertainment with his dance moves.

The competition will be played solely at the Kingstown Netball Centre and is set to climax on November 28, barring any hiccups.(RT)