With three wins and two defeats the island’s under-17 netball team finished a marvellous third at their first European Championship in Dublin recently.

The Manx Rams’ first game of the tournament was against a tough Gibraltar side who were out for an early win.

The Rams’ defensive duo of Ruby Turner and Robyn Wickers worked hard from the outset to deny Gibraltar as much ball as possible, while shooters Alice Cross (daptain) and Angela Aumonier were on form and making the most of their opportunities.

The whole Hooded Ram-sponsored team worked well together and won their first match 39-29.

The girls were clearly elated and went into their next game against hosts the Republic of Ireland in high spirits.

Playing the home team can always be difficult, but the travelling parents and friends ensured the Rams felt at home.

Shooter Parsons, along with Cross and Aumonier, kept up their accuracy and along with fantastic dynamic movement through the midcourt of Olivia Jacklin-Chatha, Gwen Williams and Jemima Shepherd, the defence forced turnovers and interceptions helping the Manx to a second amazing win of 57-32.

On Saturday morning the Manx took on Malta.

Fuelled by the successes of day one, the island side knew this was a match that could bring their third win.

Defensive players Ruby Turner, Alex Johnston and Jemima Shepherd contained Malta to only four goals in the first quarter with an incredible amount of turnovers.

The Manx took advantage of these opportunities thoroughout the game and with great team work and precision won 48-19.

The side’s second game of the day was against a very tall Swiss team who were defending champions.

The islanders came out fighting from the start but so did the Swiss girls.

The third quarter once again proved to be the Manx team’s strongest, with vice-captain Lexa Hattersley and Robyn Wickers in defence holding Switzerland to 11 goals.

Strong mid-court play from Gwen Williams and Jemima Shepherd ensured the Manx grabbed 10 goals in the same period.

Switzerland proved strong opposition and won 45-28, but coaches Emma Williams and Charlotte Christian felt this was the best teamwork they had seen from the Rams.

Into the final day and a tough match against tournament favourites Emirates.

With a dynamic starting line up of Olivia Jacklin-Chata, Georgia Mitchell, Jemima Shepherd and Lexa Hattersley in the centre third, the Manx kept Emirates on their toes.

The girls worked tirelessly and gave every bit of themselves but were unable to break through the Emirates barriers as they won 66-28.

Coach Williams said: ’I’m immensely proud of the squad’s attitude, resilience and camaraderie during the competition.

’They did us all proud and I would like to congratulate the whole squad, including non-travelling reserves Cassidy Pizzey and Holly Burgess, for each of their contributions.’

The support at the venue from travelling parents and friends was wonderful, as well as online from family, friends and the wider Manx netball community on the livefeeds from Netball Ireland.

A big thank you to Hooded Ram who has sponsored the team for the last year. Its sponsorship will allows the side to compete in the next Netball Europe U17 Championships, being held in Gibraltar in March.