’What a fantastic weekend for Isle of Man Netball and everyone in the performance programme.’

Those were the words of Claire Battye, head of performance at Isle of Man Netball, after the island hosted the Europe Netball U21 Championship at the NSC last weekend, as well as a three-match test series between the Isle of Man and Wales senior sides.

England secured the championship, comfortably winning all three of their matches, while second place went to Northern Ireland.

In third place was Wales, with the Isle of Man finishing fourth.

Player of the championship went to England’s Aliyah Zaranyika whose defensive play stood out throughout the event.

In the three-match test series between the Isle of Man and Wales’ senior squads, the results were as follows:

Match 1 -

Isle of Man 24-76 Wales

Match 2 -

Isle of Man 26-85 Wales

Match 3 -

Isle of Man 29-82 Wales

This was the first test series for the Isle of Man’s Manx Rams). Player of the series went to Rachel Johnstone from the home nation who played centre for all three games and enjoyed a superb tournament.

’We always knew the competition was going to be tough, but we showed passion and heart throughout and I couldn’t be prouder.’ commented Battye.

’We have already achieved so much in such a short time with the Manx Rams and this was another fantastic opportunity to showcase our progress, playing against experienced and world-class talent. Well done all.’

In addition to the championship and test series, Isle of Man Netball had showcase matches for men’s netball, walking netball and under-19s versus under-17s.

The governing body of the sport in the island has focused on ensuring netball is a game that can be enjoyed by all, no matter your age, gender or ability.

The event was supported by Dunwell Jewellers.

Pip Cross, president of Isle of Man Netball, paid tribute to everyone involved in making the event such a success: ’I am incredibly proud of the weekend of netball we have just witnessed.

’A lot of hard work goes into the organisation of the event and I can’t thank everyone enough for making it happen. It is impossible for me to name you all, but know that we are incredibly grateful to each and every person involved in this weekend.

’Isle of Man Netball continues to go from strength to strength and we have a lot more international opportunities for 2022.

’In the coming weeks we will be announcing our three-year strategy for Isle of Man Netball, our commitment to grow netball at all levels in the Isle of Man - it’s an exciting time.

’To ensure we can continue to grow our sport, develop our performance programme, host international events and provide the very best opportunities to all netballers, we would welcome sponsors and supporters.

’If your business is interested in supporting Isle of Man Netball please reach out. Let’s work together to take our fantastic sport to the next level!’

l Up next for the Manx Rams is a trip to Scotland in December where a development squad for the Isle of Man will face Scotland U21s and the Manx Rams senior squad will play a single test match against Barbados (Bajan Gems) who are ranked 13th in the world.

l For more information on Isle of Man Netball, follow the social channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit the website www.netball.im