One newcomer in national Under-23 netball team

Miranda Spencer is the lone newcomer to be named to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Under-23 netball team for the 2013 Eastern Caribbean Central Bank OECS tournament to be held from July 7 to 10 in Antigua and Barbuda.{{more}}

Spencer joins nine others with experience at that sub-regional age group level on the trip, as they seek to add a 14th lien on the title.

Among those who were part of last year’s winning combination in Grenada are team captain Ruth Ann Williams, vice-captain Shellisha Davis, Mary Ann Frederick, who is on a basketball scholarship in the USA, Naomi Williams, Bownie Allicott, Delonie Sam and Rochelle Franklyn.

Meanwhile, two other players, Shannique de Shong and Shanice Daniel, were forced to miss the 2012 edition for personal reasons.

Absent from last year’s team, although eligible are Kasukie Daniel, Zukelia Ross and Shantol Williams.

And, Godfrey “Fuzzy” Harry will be once again coach for the team; however, first vice president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association Natasha Stapleton replaces Thelma Foster as the team’s manager/chaperone.

Also, former national Under-16 netball coach Moeth Gaymes retains his post as the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ representative on the tournament’s umpires’ panel.

Notching up their 14th win may not pose any problem to the St Vincent and the Grenadines, as history favours them.

The record shows that the Vincentians have triumphed on each occasion that the tournament touched down in Antigua and Barbuda. Wins in 1994, 2001 and 2007 are part of the tally.

The other titles were achieved by the Vincentians at home in 1991, 1998 and 2006; St Kitts – 1992 and 1999; St Lucia – 1996 and 2002, Grenada 2000 and 2012 and Dominica – 1993.

St Lucia has four titles gained in 1995, 1997, 2004 and 2005, with Grenada trumping in 2003, 2008 and 2010 and St Kitts winning in 2009 and 2011.

Set to leave here on Friday, the St Vincent and the Grenadines outfit will also be part of personal development sessions for the netballers, with the aim of enhancing their interpersonal and professional skills.(RT)