Mitres send early warnings

Defending double Division One champions of the Digicel National Netball Club Tournament Western Union Mitres threw down the gauntlet to the seven other competing teams in that division,{{more}} when the 2012 edition opened last Sunday afternoon at the Kingstown Netball Center (KNC).

In the opening match, an exhibition affair, against last year’s third placed winner in the League Competition, Karib Cable Orions, Mitres distanced them 64-31, in a lopsided encounter.

Mitres, which features the core of the senior national outfit, won in all quarters; 16-9 at the end of the first, then ran away with a 39-15 lead at the mid-way point. It was 54-23 at the end of the third quarter, but the Mitres took their feet off the pedal, and coasted home convincingly at 64-31.

Apart from Layou Orions, Mitres’ other challengers are the number two team, and reigning OECS club champions, Vita Malt Maple, along with BOSVG Valley Netters, French Verandah X- Ceed , ASCO One, RSVG Police, and Standard Shippers Falcons.

But last Sunday was not all for exhibition Netball, as preceding the Mitres/ Layou match up, Division Four action got underway in earnest.

Dutch Lady Clinchers nosed ahead of New Era Pepper Stars 25-23 in a close encounter.

Clinchers won the first two quarters 5-3, 12-10, lost the third quarter 18-20, but rebounded to win the match 25-23.

The tournament was off to its usual start of colour and panache, as the teams proceeded from the Victoria Park to the KNC, but without the usual marching band.

When it came to adjudication of the Best Dressed Team and the Best Banner awards, the winners were Maple Two and Green Hill Sports Club, respectively.

The Opening Ceremony was addressed by President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association, Dellarice Duncan, Jerry George of sponsors, Digicel, and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Cecil Mc Kie.

There was also a cultural presentation of dance pieces by the Avenues Dancers.

This year’s tournament sees the same number of teams contesting as last year’s.

Again, thirty-three teams in total are competing for honours in the four divisions.

Completing the three other divisions, ten are stashed in Division Two, eight are in Division Three and eight are in Division Four.

This year marks the seventh occasion in which Digicel is sponsoring the competition.(RT)