SVG looks to regain Under-23 Netball Title

Two new comers have been included in this country’s Under-23 Netball team for the 2009 Eastern Caribbean Central Bank OECS Tournament, which was to have begun in Nevis yesterday, Thursday.{{more}}

Getting promotions to this stage of national representation are promising Goal Shooter Mary Ann Fredericks and the energetic Sheldene Joseph.

Both, though, have had experience at the Under-16 level.

But while the two have just entered the fray, experience abounds at the other end.

Captain Saska Diamond and former Captain Leanna Lewis are on their seventh and final year. Also in there with years under their belts are Annella Samuel and Maxine James, who are into their fifth and fourth years, respectively.

Completing the team which left last Wednesday morning, with the only thing on their mind being to wrest the title from Grenada, are Bownie Allicott, Tonique Bowens, Shannique de Shong and Shellisa Davis.

Marliese Liverpool-Bowman is the team’s Manager, with Joan Foster-Baynes, the Coach.

Thelma Foster is the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ official on the Umpires’ panel.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in order to make it title number thirteen, must undo Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and host Nevis.

The twelve time winner placed second last year, pipped by goal difference, as they, St. Lucia and Grenada, each lost one match.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines won the inaugural championship in 1991 and followed it with three other straight wins in 1992, 1993 and 1994. Titles in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, extended this country’s hold. Back to back titles in 2006 and 2007 complete the dozen liens on the sub- regional competition.

St. Lucia has gained four titles, achieved in 1995, 1997, 2004, and 2005. Grenada has two titles under its belt, having won in 2003 and is the defending champion, winning last year’s edition in St. Lucia. (RT)