Annual seniors netball tournament for Sept. 3 – 6

The Guyana Netball Association will be hosting its annual seniors netball tournament from September 3 – 6 at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

This was disclosed yesterday by committee member of the GNA, Tonia Stuart.

Stuart said that at a GNA meeting held earlier this month the association finalized the planning for  holding the tournament.

Stuart said also that letters requesting sponsorship had already been sent to various corporate entities and while they are still awaiting replies they have confirmed the date for holding the tournament and all measures are in place.

Stuart said that the tournament is expected to involve the participation of  All Stars Netball Club, Eagles and  Rim Rockez Netball Club from Georgetown, the Doves Netball Club from Berbice and the All Stars Netball Club from  Essequibo.

Defending champions, All Stars, will be looking to extend their two-year hold on the title, having won the tournament in 2008 and  by default in  2009 when there was no seniors netball tournament.

However the return of the All Stars arch rival, Emanie, on the scene will add energetic twists to the tournament.

Emanie, returning from a  two-year suspension from GNA netball tournaments, will no doubt be looking to make an impression and will be expected to give All Stars a run for their money.

The livewire club had already snatched their first win of the year when they dominated the Under-23 tournament earlier this year, earning their tournament title with their last match after delivering a thrilling demolition of the All Stars Under-23 team.

The tournament was scheduled to precede the participation of the Guyana senior netball team at the Commercial Netball Tournament billed for Barbados from  September 11-19.

The team is expected to leave Guyana on September 11 to participate in the tournament’s opening ceremony on that date before taking part in matches the following day.

Prompted for a comment on the team’s progression Stuart said that the team “is getting there.”