Mitres closing in on Division 1 netball crown

Buddy Pak Mitres are one match away from being officially crowned the 2006 Cable & Wireless national Division 1 netball champs.

Mitres, all but won the title last Tuesday night beating the 2005 winners C & R Enterprises Sion Hill 46-43 in a highly charged match.{{more}}

Mitres reinforced by Goal Shoot Gailene Gordon led 10-9 at the end of the first quarter, but Sion Hill rebounded at half time with 22-21.

Sion Hill sporting their traditional green and black uniform, symbolic of their community, established a two goal lead at the end of the third quarter 33-31.

This was extended to four after the first two centre passes afforded to them in the last 15 minute period.

Showing a higher level of maturity and poise, Mitres took advantage of Sion Hill’s lapses and cruised to triumph.

Gordon shot 40 from 51 attempts to lead Mitres’ scoring. Captain of the national outfit and centre court maestro Dellarice Duncan in her new role as Goal Attack scored 6 from 12.

The experienced Joanna Christopher was again in the pink of form scoring 38 from 42 for Sion Hill. Her partner in the circle Sandra Carrington hit 5 from 6.

Mitres had already taken care of former champions Vita Malt Maple a fortnight ago, and only have Inter-Secondary School seniors remaining to keep their unblemished record for 2006 in tact.

Mitres last won the division one crown in 2002, with Sion Hill doing so in 2003 for the first time, only to be dethroned by Maple the following year.

Sion Hill could find themselves empty handed this year as no OECS club tournament seems likely to take place.

The tournament was scheduled for Grenada last month, but was shelved because of a hiccup in the sponsorship arrangements.

Their consolation though can be the runner up spot if they defeat Maple.