Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our WedNEWSday articles.

South

On Saturday 9th September 8 teams took part in the NSW Regional League Pre-Season Tournament (South) at Plymouth Marjon. The event was made possible by 8 umpires, 2 TTOs and 2 Mentors. The format was new, with the top 2 teams in each of the 2 sections playing off after 6 rounds for a final placing of 1-4 and the other teams playing off for a placing of 5-8. By mid-day the temperature outdoors measured 26 degrees but indoors the event continued at full pace. Congratulations go to everyone who gave 100% effort regardless of their role on the day. James Thomas and Lorraine Beel fed back that all the umpires took on board the feedback they received.

The final placings were:

1 - Saints

2 - TTNC Titans

3 - Plymouth Pilgrims

4 - Carol Anne Diamonds 

5 - Bodmin

6 - CCNC Lions

7 - Titans Thunder

8 - TTNC Zephyr

Netball South West would like to thank everyone who took part, including Glenda Tucker who kept everyone to time, James and Lorraine for their mentoring throughout the day, all the umpires, the players, coaches and supporters without whom we wouldn’t have been able to run the event. Also a huge ’Thank You’ to Les Thomas and her team for all the work in the lead up to the day that contributed to the smooth running of the event

North

The regional pre-season tournament (North) was held on Sunday 10th September at the University of Gloucestershire Arena, involving 18 teams from across all of the Netball South West regional league divisions.

Matches were played in three groups of six teams playing each other. The winners of each group plus the best runner-up competed in the semi-finals with Hucclecote Comets beating Mavericks Eagles in the first semi-final, and Poole beating Hucclecote Stars in the other semi-final. After a long and very hot day, Poole eventually triumphed in the final, beating Hucclecote Stars 18 goals to 9.

The tournament was also a great opportunity for a pre-season run-out for the umpires who were supported by the mentoring team of Jude Grove, Jo Kelly and Gina Pearce. Our congratulations and thanks go to all the umpires and the mentors who were able to give teams an enjoyable match experience before the start of the season.

Netball South West would like to thank the Tournament Officials Team of Jan Stephens and Lisa Green from Gloucestershire Netball who ensured that the event ran smoothly and on time.

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Officer (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk).