Talking garbage !

From the time I came into the sport of netball, some clubs comprising the self-proclaimed inventors of the game have always sent representation to whatever meeting was being summoned by the Barbados Netball Association ( BNA).

Last night ( 09-10-11) at the special meeting which was held at the Barbados Olympic Association's ( BOA) office, it was clear that the representative from one such club ( Barbados Lumber Company UAC) had an issue with the players of the senior national team.

Waiting for absolute silence, this individual loudly proclaimed her DISTASTE,DISGUST and total DISREGARD for the team which she opined has caused the BNA and the local netball fraternity nothing but sorrow. Referring to the team as THAT GROUP, she further added that she was not and will never support the team and that if she was in a position to assist said team,she wouldn't.

BLUE,yellow,black vs GREEN,yellow,black.....

The senior netball team or any national team selected is a representative of ALL netballers living within whichever country the sport is being played,despite what people may think. It was shocking to hear it being said by this individual that based on the general perception of the team,it CANNOT and WILL NOT represent her. Maybe if one of the colours were GREEN instead of BLUE, that would make a difference!!!!!

While her opinion clearly matters to her and the small supporting cast which was seated to her left( COW Rangers), it was shocking that none of the seven member Board who has silently supported what was said,never asked for THE APOLOGY which was requested by the senior coach or the general membership in attendance.

It is ridiculous to think that these same individuals who in times past were seen as go-to persons by these said netballers, are now trashing them.

What is apparent is that the 2011 senior national team is on it's own and maybe have been for the past few months. It's also ironic that the lone national team which can bring any recognition to our country,does not and will never get the total support from it's governing body.

Maybe the garbage spewed out last night was said by one but the thought process was there for many.

Well done girls !

Congrats to Team Lester Vaughan for the second place finish in the 2011 U-15 competition of the BSSNL competition. Better luck in the U-19!

Lester Vaughan to the FINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It wasn't the script that was written but again the writers were proven wrong when The Lester Vaughan School upended the more favoured and defending champions Combermere School in one of two semi-finals played today ( June 2) in the U-15 division of the Barbados Secondary Schools' Netball League ( BSSNL) at the Netball Stadium.

Playing before their principal whose presence brought a much needed lift in their intensity, the girls from Cane Garden never allowed their opponents to settle. With head coach of the senior national team Alwyn Babb in the stand ( before heading to the airport for Trinidad), Adrian Mapp on the bench and YOURS TRULY on the field, Team LVS romped to a five goal ( 23-18)win.

The lineup of Team LVS : GS - Victoria McMillan, GA- Tachaina Young,WA- Halicha Gilkes,C-Danisha Burke,WD-Mariah Leacock,GD-Brandy Grosvenor,GK-Lieann Connell-Forde. Reserve was Tamara Trotman.

Team LVS' opponent in the finals will be The Alleyne School who defeated them in a zonal game earlier.

Well done girls! They said it won't be done !

Trinidad bound !

The Barbados Netball Association has FINALLY announced the names of the twelve netballers to represent Barbados in a goodwill series against longtime Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago.

Returning to the team after being away for several years is Pine Hill St.Barnabas defender Shonette Bruce nee Azore who brings height and aggression to the defensive circle. The full contingent is :

Kizzy Marville ( captain), Latonia Blackman( vice captain), Lydia Bishop,Laurel Browne,Samantha Browne,Sabrina Browne,Nadia Blackman,Faye Sealy,Sabreena Smith,Nikita Piggott,Chekirah Shepherd and Shonette Bruce.

Head coach Alwyn Babb has a new manager with former Assistant coach Marcia Oxley assuming this role after the recent dismissal of Mrs Maureen Shepherd. Returning to assist is Jackie Forde-Brome. Team physio is Alicia Brewster.

Team Barbados will play three games beginning tomorrow ( June 3), Saturday ( June 4) and concludes with the final game on Sunday ( June 5) at the Jean Pierre Complex against a Trinidad team still smarting from a one goal loss to Barbados at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Let's prove it wasn't a fluke !