Viners take a giant step forward with fantastic walking netball success

The former Gosport & Fareham League team, now playing the walking version of the game weekly at Gosport Leisure Centre, only lost the one game throughout the event, writes Helen Dunning.

They played with great support and sportsmanship for their fellow opponents. It is a key element of any Netball in the Community festival.

Netbelles, from Surrey, finished second but it was very close with the medals decided on goal difference, just five goals between the top two.

In the Social Netball section of the event Hayling Island ended the day as champions from a spirited Knowle Hotshots team.

Both teams are regulars at Netball in the Community events and host Debbie Laycock was delighted with the spirit and sportsmanship shown.

She said: ‘Our festivals are fun and friendly and those teams who take their netball seriously are asked not to attend.

‘We had 13 teams at our recent event and credit to all the players for making it extra special.

‘Support for the branch of the Red Box Charity came in the form of dozens of sanitary items and underwear donated by participants, as well as £280.30 raised on the fundraising raffle and blackout game.’

Rebecca Cave, from the Red Box Project Portsmouth North, said: ‘Thank you for the truly incredible kindness from you and your teams of netballers.

‘When you announced how much money had been raised I was really blown away. Supporting young people in education is key to not only their future but their well-being, confidence and positive mental health.

‘So many young people will benefit from your kindness.’

In the spirit of the festival awards were given for sportsmanship. Sarisbury Sparks Allstars were awarded the Team Sportsmanship gong, while Maddie Roberts from Portsmouth Pivotals and Bridget Hargreaves from Walkie Talkies took home the player-of-the-day awards.

Laycock added: ‘It really was a fabulous day, no more so than for Walkie Talkies. It was their first festival as a walking netball team and most of them had only been playing since January and they had never played on a full-size court before. They won two games, lost two by just one goal and you have never seen someone so shocked as Bridget when her name was called out as player of the day.’

‘For me, along with the incredible support for the Red Box Project, that’s what netball should be about – whether you take it seriously or not, it’s the camaraderie and support that makes netball special.’