SVG Under-16 Netballers on title hunt

The developmental process of this netball programme will be put to the test regionally when the national Under-16 team competes in the Caribbean Tournament in Antigua and Barbuda from April 5-11.{{more}}

The 12 member team will be led by national Under-23 player, Tonique Bowens. Ruth Ann Williams is the team’s Vice Captain.

Others hoping to bring back the title to these shores are Kemisha Antoine, Mary Ann Fredrick, Shanice Daniel, Nyoka Jackson, Kerrona Samuel, Kayshuke Daniel, Sheldine Joseph, Cacica Cordice, Sharika Barker and Kendra Lavia.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines open their quest versus Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday. On Monday, the Vincentian lasses meet Barbados. A double take is assigned to them on Tuesday. They oppose Dominica from 7 am, and return at 6pm to take on Grenada.

On Wednesday, the Vincentians face Jamaica, with the host Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday. They close out their campaign next Friday against St. Lucia.

Coach of the team Halimah de Shong told SEARCHLIGHT last Monday as the team went through its paces at the Kingstown Netball Centre: “I have had eight to ten sessions and what I can tell you is that they want to do well”.

de Shong credited former national coach Godfrey Harry for the initial work with the young netballers.

“I know they are going to compete and improve on their sixth place last time around”, de Shong stated boldly.

“I know we are going to get some challenges especially against teams like Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica”, said de Shong, who is having her first stint as a national netball coach.

Admitting that she has limited experience with Under-16’s, de Shong, who is currently pursuing her PhD, said while in England, where she is doing her reearch, she has garnered some insight in this aspect.

An upbeat de Shong said that this exposure to coaching a national outfit further extends her contribution to national development.

A former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball captain, de Shong optimistically said that on completion of her studies in the next 18 months, she will still offer her service as a national player, “if it is required”.

The lone regional title for St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Under-16 level was attained in 1999.

The hopefuls leave tomorrow for Antigua and Barbuda, with newly elected Committee Member of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association Cheryl Alexander as manager. (RT)