The Isle of Man sent two teams to compete in the Dominoes Netball Tournament in Manchester recently.

The competition took place at the Wright Robinson Centre and attracted teams from all over the north of England. Playing in separate groups, both Manx sides struggled at the start of the day with the slippery conditions underfoot and were lucky that no serious injuries were sustained.

Despite losing their first game, the A team managed to adapt to the conditions and won all their remaining fixtures to finish second in their group, a result which took them into the cup competition quarter-finals.

Again this was played as a round robin with four teams per group, therefore in order to progress to the semis they would need to win all three games.

The team made an excellent start winning their first match comfortably, but they then went up against a strong Bury team including ex Manchester Thunder player Rachel Henry.

It was a hard-fought match but the honours went to Bury and, despite the Manx winning their third game. it was Bury who progressed to the semis and eventually the final.

The B team faced eventual champions Chester in their very tough round robin phase and progressed into the plate competition after finishing in lower half of their group.

Fielding a number of players who were playing outside the domestic leagues for the first time, they too made a strong start winning their first two games.

However, they couldn’t maintain their winning streak and lost the third, therefore missing out on a semi-final place.

Despite a full day’s play on Saturday, there was no rest and recreation in the shops on Sunday as the squad took on teams from the Capricorn Club in Liverpool.

Capricorn fielded a strong side including players who are part of regional and national squads. Playing shortened matches and on a more familiar indoor court, the Manx girls were really able to show their pace.

In the mid-court Rachel Johnstone, Rhian Evans and Lydia Shaw linked together with speed and accuracy to feed the shooting circle. Ashley Hall was dominant at GA and Gemma Kirkham played with a maturity beyond her years at GS.

In defence Vivia Leigh was outstanding not only in the circle but in bringing the ball up the court as well, and Anne-Marie Crompton once again showed why she is one of the best GK in the island.

They made things very difficult for a skilful and physical Capricorn team and came away with a well-deserved win.

The B team also took on a Capricorn team and, much like with the A team, looked much more comfortable on an indoor surface as they produced some fast and flowing play.

Sara Watterson had an outstanding match at WD and Emma Snell put in a solid performance at centre and as on-court captain.

Ailish Bridson also sank some impressive long-range shots but the Capricorn girls proved to be too strong, eventually taking the victory.

Both the competition and friendly matches showed that Manx teams can hold their own in off-island fixtures, demonstrating the strength of the sport locally and paves the way for the creation of an Isle of Man senior national team next season.

Special credit needs to be given to Claire Battye who arranged the trip and coached the teams before the tournament and on the day - her input and coordination was invaluable. Thanks also need to be extended to Margi Magee, Kim Lamb and Tracey Dentith for giving up their time to umpire and score both training sessions and during the matches.

Commiserations go to Kat Keeling who unfortunately suffered an ankle injury in training just days before the tournament. Despite not being able to play she also travelled to offer valuable support and advice throughout the weekend. The trip was entirely self-funded, so final thanks go to Isle of Man Netball for their kind donation towards the cost.