The 35th Annual Barbados Workers’ Union Netball Tournament opened on Sunday with newly installed general secretary Toni Moore asking the players to use the competition to fashion greater discipline and to continue their development as young women.
“The Barbados Workers’ Union is committed to the improvement of life of all Barbadians and similarly for the past 35 years this tournament has led to the development of many young women.
“Over the years the BWU has been seen as part of the community and this competition has also been recognised as a fixture of the union and of our community. Therefore, I ask you to embrace the very values of the BWU of discipline, comradeship and sportsmanship while avoiding the negative displays of other organisations,” said Moore.
Twenty-one teams took part in the opening parade at the Netball Stadium with a record 40 teams entering this year’s tournament. Three new teams, Messiah Spirit Warriors, Victorious Ballerz and St James Stilettos are taking part this year. The Stilettos began well by winning The Best Banner prize.
Massy Stores Ballers won the Best Team on Parade at a ceremony which was also addressed Orlando “Gabby” Scott and president of the Barbados Netball Association, Nisha Craigwell.
However, the BWU Diamonds did not adhere to Moore’s suggestion that they dominate the competition as they played an opening game in the Leroy Trotman Zone going down to Wolverines in a close game 28-31.
Goal shoot Alicia Lashley led all scorers with 27 goals from 39 attempts while Deidre Mathurin scored 3/7 and Tricia Briggs 1/7 alternating at goal attack. For Diamonds, Tabitha Chapman scored ten of 16, Adonna Griffith 11/17 and Deborah Kellman 7/13.
The Wolverines led in all quarters, 15-10, 17-19 and 27-19 with a strong last quarter by the Diamonds occurring too late to take the match. (KB)
