SVG Hailed OECS Netball Queens
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) won the second edition of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States / Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (OECS / ECCB) International Netball Series on Friday, 18 February at the Windsor Park Sports Complex in Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica.
2022-03-10 21:07:04 - VI News Staff
After six days of exciting action, St. Vincent and the Grenadines defeated Saint Lucia 39-17 on the final night, in a match cut short by rain, taking home the Gloria Ballantyne Trophy, and gaining invaluable rankings points.
At the inaugural International Series in 2019, St. Vincent and the Grenadines finished second to Grenada, who was absent this time around. The Vincentians romped to the title by jumping out to an early 4-0 lead against Saint Lucia, leading by six after the first period, and extending that advantage to a commanding 16 goals by the halftime interval. When the game was called after an hour-long rain delay, Team SVG led by 20. Mary-Ann Frederick had scored 32 (48 attempts), Shellisa Davis 5 (9), and Zanique Vincent 2 (5). Wing attack Shania Pompey was named best centre court player, best defensive player, and player of the tournament.
Roxanne Snyder led Saint Lucia with 11 goals on 13 shots; Aaliyah Estephor added 4 (8), and Safiya Paul scored 2 (4). Saint Lucia was hard hit by injuries and illness, including their captain Shem Maxwell, a contributor at both ends of the court, who sustained a fractured ankle. That having been said, the Vincentian lasses should now leapfrog their neighbours when the International Netball Federation next updates its rankings. As of the end of January, Saint Lucia was 20th and St. Vincent and the Grenadines 21st in the world, despite St. Vincent and the Grenadines having played more games.