A new level of netball begins in Barbados on Thursday June 10th 2010 when the Barbados Netball Association introduces the inaugural President's Cup.
Senior head coach Alwyn Babb commented in yesterday's Sunday Sun ( June 6) that this is an approach which should give the coaches of the national team a chance to see the national squad in games situations.
I am sure a big concern for the management of the senior team will be the umpiring or lack of.
At the moment, there is a lack of quality umpiring at the highest level in Barbados which has at times meant that some of the junior umpires were forced into uncomfortable situations.
Will this happen here too or will the BNA in collaberation with BANU identify those umpires who are suitable for this competition and schedule them accordingly or will spectators be subjected to more of what transpired throughout the season?????
This blog has been created with the intention of raising questions about the state of netball in Barbados. Any names mentioned will be of people who are involved in the sport and all situations will be real.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Ode to Spooners Hill !!
Congratulations to Spooners Hill Netball Club for a fantastic series of games in the 2010 Barbados Netball Association's domestic competition.
It should be noted that this unit was NEVER able to train as a team but were able to be convincing winners whenever they took the court.
Ironically the SHNC started their season with a game and a win ( 54-45) against Carlton Club and ended their season against this same club. Again with a win ( 62-61) .
Ace national shooter Lydia Bishop was merciless and completely dominated the shooting circle proving why she is still the number one goal shooter in Barbados ( 47/54). Long range bomber Renee Rudder assisted with another memorable performance ( 15/19).
What is noteworthy is that most of the players in SHNC are in the prime of their lives with the youngest player being in her twenties. AMAZING !!!!!!!!!
Carlton's national U-16 shooting combo of Chemayne Alleyne and Shannon Hackett showed why they may be the future of Barbados in the shooting area if they continue with the game.
Chemayne was strong on her feet and aggressive when necessary( 45/53). However the smooth gazelle like Hackett was a joy to see as she used her height advantage to out jump the smaller defenses from Spooners Hill ( 16/17).
My lone concern was the level of umpiring meted out to both teams.
In an age where coaches are constantly begging for leniency on the whistle and the need to allow the game to flow, this game was riddled with the shrill sound ( BEEEPPPP!!!!!!!!) all the time.
If our players are to be competitive on the world stage, then our umpires need to understand this and allow for more challenges in the game.
Congratulations to Pine Hill St.Barnabas on winning this division ( 2) and Spooners Hill for being 2nd.
It should be noted that this unit was NEVER able to train as a team but were able to be convincing winners whenever they took the court.
Ironically the SHNC started their season with a game and a win ( 54-45) against Carlton Club and ended their season against this same club. Again with a win ( 62-61) .
Ace national shooter Lydia Bishop was merciless and completely dominated the shooting circle proving why she is still the number one goal shooter in Barbados ( 47/54). Long range bomber Renee Rudder assisted with another memorable performance ( 15/19).
What is noteworthy is that most of the players in SHNC are in the prime of their lives with the youngest player being in her twenties. AMAZING !!!!!!!!!
Carlton's national U-16 shooting combo of Chemayne Alleyne and Shannon Hackett showed why they may be the future of Barbados in the shooting area if they continue with the game.
Chemayne was strong on her feet and aggressive when necessary( 45/53). However the smooth gazelle like Hackett was a joy to see as she used her height advantage to out jump the smaller defenses from Spooners Hill ( 16/17).
My lone concern was the level of umpiring meted out to both teams.
In an age where coaches are constantly begging for leniency on the whistle and the need to allow the game to flow, this game was riddled with the shrill sound ( BEEEPPPP!!!!!!!!) all the time.
If our players are to be competitive on the world stage, then our umpires need to understand this and allow for more challenges in the game.
Congratulations to Pine Hill St.Barnabas on winning this division ( 2) and Spooners Hill for being 2nd.