Going '˜Back 2 Netball' was right direction to take...

Almost a year to the day since Back 2 Netball started in Selsey, a celebratory tournament featuring seven local teams from the Chichester area was played at the Selsey Academy.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Feb 2016, 08:01 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:47 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Action at the Selsey tournamentAction at the Selsey tournament
Action at the Selsey tournament

Teams were from Fishbourne – Flames Red and Flames Blue – two from Midhurst, Storrington Stars and the Selsey Dolphins, Purple and Lilac.

Originally intended to be played on two of the four outside courts at the Academy, the day dawned wet and windy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the Academy boasts a splendid indoor facility, so they were able to transfer matches inside.

There was a considerable range in age from 14 to over-60 playing with enthusiasm, considerable skill and determination.

Players enjoyed meeting and playing against other ladies who relished the freedom and fun found in participation in a team sport; weaker or stronger, taller or shorter, younger or older, all were equal in each game.

The tournament was won by Selsey’s Purple Dolphins, ahead of Midhurst by two points.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

From ‘winning’ the wooden spoon in the previous tournament, Selsey were delighted to have improved sufficiently to come up to the standards set by Midhurst.

Results were close overall and goal difference was used to rank the teams. Flames Blue came in third, Stars fourth, Midhurst fifth, Flames Red sixth, with Lilac Dolphins taking the wooden spoon.

There are plans for another tournament in March, hosted by Stars, and other inter-club friendly matches. Planning is also beginning for the Chichester Netball League to start as soon as arrangements can be made.

If you’re feeling the urge to play netball again, go and join in – all abilities are welcome from 14 years to 74 and beyond.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More teams are needed – they have six but ideally need eight to start a league, and could accommodate up to 40.

People could start teams from offices, other sports clubs or community groups? If you are interested, call Sussex netball development officer Stacey Boxhall on 07540 126600.

At Selsey, there’s training at The Academy on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8pm. Call Penny Cooper on 07762 922405 or find them on Facebook under Purple Dolphins Netball Team. Or just turn up and join in!

To contact the Midhurst team, email [email protected] or for Fishbourne Flames, call Gilly on 07971 396887.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking sports news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

Share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Related topics:NetballMidhurst