Rural schoolgirl netball giants on collision course

TWO GIANTS in Rural Schoolgirl Netball, Glenmuir and neighbours Denbigh, will be involved in a massive clash today at Denbigh in Zone F action at 2 p.m.

Both junior and senior teams from the schools are unbeaten, steamrolling their opponents. A win today for either would mean they would top Zone F, which, in turn, could help them avoid some of the more dangerous teams in the next round.

In particular, a win for either would allow one or the other to avoid defending junior champions, Manchester High, and senior champions, Holmwood.

Both coaches, Ryan Reid of Glenmuir and Winston Nevers of Denbigh, are oozing with confidence going into the matches all the while knowing how important it is to top their group.

Reid, who for the first time in 10 years, does not have Annett Daley on his bench, with the mentor and former technical director now the principal of Denbigh High, says the games will prove emotional for him.

“Going to Denbigh will be a very emotional moment for me and the girls as Annett (Daley), who has helped to build the netball programme at Glenmuir into a successful one, and who I have learnt a lot from over the years, will be on the other side. Being the principal of Denbigh, I know she will be rooting for her school, but my girls are mentally ready and will be motivated for the occasion,” said Reid.

Reid knows how tough Denbigh are.

‘REAL TOUGH CHALLENGE’

“Denbigh will be a real tough challenge as they have two very good teams. We are the only school to have gone to their venue in recent years and have beaten them in both junior and senior competition, and my girls know this, and it will be a further motivation for them. Beating them and finishing on top of the group will be for bragging rights. I expect a classic,” said Reid.

Nevers’ teams has had good buildups to this season with their involvement in two summer tournaments, in particular, the Island Vibes series against Trinidad and Tobago’s under-16s. The coach believes that experience has helped a lot with their preparation for the school league.

“Glenmuir has a very good programme, and they have been doing well over the years. It will be two unbeaten teams, and I expect two great matches. My girls have been playing well all season, and I am confident that it will continue, and I think the tournaments in summer has helped a lot with the preparation,” said Nevers.

Nevers singled out a few players he thinks could prove difference makers.

“I think young Crisdale Wignall at 14 years of age is an exceptional talent and will lead the way amongst the juniors, where we also have two very good defenders coming from the under-14 group. Amongst the seniors, we have two exceptional shooters in Leneice and Abbigail Williams, along with Christina Thompson at centre and goal defence Christina Duncan, who could all make a big difference,” said Nevers.