The Netball Europe Under-17 Challenge takes place at the NSC this weekend, with the Manx hosts taking on teams from Gibraltar, Ireland and Malta.

The three-day competition starts on Friday afternoon with Gibraltar taking on the Ireland at 3pm.

Whoever is crowned winner of the tournament on Sunday afternoon will earn the right to play in the upper tier, Under-17 Open next year.

The Manx Rams squad has five returning players in their 12-strong squad.

Co-captains Cassidy Pizzey and Becca Cooke both played in this competition in Gibraltar last year, along with Annabel Kneale, Eliana Kneen and Emma Leith.

Getting their first caps are Amaline Batty, Claire Mason, Georgia Harding, Hannah Halsall, Holly Hennessey, Mika Chen and Niamh Skillicorn.

Ready to play at a moment’s notice are reserves Ella Crowe and Maddie Butterworth.

Coach Emma Williams and assistant Rebekah Pate are aided by team manager Laurelle Kneen and her assistant Aalish Bridson.

A lot of hard training has gone in over the last year by the whole squad and the team is ready to get going.

Coach Williams added: ’I am really looking forward to seeing the squad take to court.

’All the girls have worked hard and have grown into confident players.

’Let’s hope that we acheive our goals and showcase the young talent within Isle of Man netball.’

Tickets cost £5 per day and are available on the door.

In addition to the main tournament, the island’s senior and under-21 sides will also be in action this weekend when they welcome Wales u21s and the Army for a series of friendlies also at the NSC.

FIXTURES - ALL AT NSC

Friday, February 28

Under-17s tournament

3pm Gibraltar v Republic of Ireland

5pm Isle of Man v Malta

Support matches

10.30am IoM Under-21s v Wales Under-21s

1pm IoM Seniors v Wales U21

6.30pm Walking netball demonstrationmatch

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Saturday, February 29

Under-17s tournament

3pm Isle of Man v Republic of Ireland

5pm Gibraltar v Malta

Support matches

10.30am IoM U21 v Army

1pm IoM Senior v Army

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Sunday, March 1

Under-17s tournament

10am Republic of Ireland v Malta

12pm Isle of Man v Gibraltar

Route 1 Connections 39, Simcocks Gold Eagles 45

There was nothing between these two after the first quarter of this Premier Division clash, with the score standing at seven goals a piece.

Simcocks stepped it up in the second quarter, using their extra player well through the mid-court and on the circle edge to take a four-goal lead at half-time.

The play through the court from both teams was quick and Simcocks played with great patience going into the circle making sure that their shooters were getting the ball within a comfortable shooting range.

Heather Parsons was following up shots and rebounding well, making sure Simcocks increased their lead to five goals going into the final period.

Route 1’s defence of Player of the Match Sienna Dunn and Katrina Keeling worked tirelessly to keep the goal margin within reach, but they were unable to make a dent in the gap and the final whistle blew with Simcocks six goals ahead.