Southampton Solent University score netball one-two at festival

The university outfit were the stand-out performers at the England Netball-organised, mixed-gender event that saw more than 100 players and supporters descend on Bassett.

The corporate tournament, aimed at local businesses, saw teams enter from Associated British Ports, Grant Thornton and Southampton City Council play against the triumphant Solent University side.

“We have had a phenomenal response,” said event organiser Debbie Laycock, England Netball’s Netball Development Community Coach for South East Hampshire.

“Solent Sparks, the eventual Southampton winners, recorded some great results on the day and beat nearest rivals Solent Lightning and ABP MER by some margin to get their hands on the winners’ trophy and £100 restaurant voucher.

“The male participants more than held their own against their female counterparts, there were some interesting interpretations of the rules at times but the whole tournament was played in great spirit.

“I’d like next year’s event to be at least twice as big.”

After the event’s success Laycock encouraged to keep playing by pointing them in the direction of the Back to Netball sessions that are held all over Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham.

“These are gentle, re-introduction sessions with the emphasis on fun, friends and improving fitness and we welcome new ladies along,” she said.

And there’s good news for males who want to participate.

“For the males, such was the success of Netball in the City, I am aiming to organise a mixed Back to Netball festival as part of England Netball’s ‘Big Summer of Netball’,” Laycock added.

“If there’s enough interest there is no reason we can’t get some friendly mixed fixtures up and running after this and of course there will always be Netball in the City 2016.”

Visit englandnetball.co.uk or search ‘Back to Netball South East Hampshire’ on Facebook for more details.