The Isle of Man’s under-17 netball side will sample its first international action this weekend, when it competes in the Netball Europe Championships.

The age-group tournament, which is being held at Gormanston Park in Dublin, is the teenagers’ first taste of competitive action since the Manx Netball Association was accepted as a member of the International Netball Federation last August.

The Hooded Ram-sponsored teens were meant to make their international bow back in March when this tournament was originally scheduled, but snow forced its postponement.

Since then the island’s senior side made an impressive first foray into international competition winning silver at May’s European Open Challenge in Gibraltar.

Joining the Isle of Man and the hosts in Ireland this week will be the United Arab Emirates, Malta, Gibraltar and Switzerland.

The six nations will play each other in a round robin tournament over the three days starting tomorrow, Friday.

The team is led by captain Alice Cross who said: ’We have worked very hard to get where we are today and have shown great dedication and determination in the build up to this event.

’We look forward to showcasing our talents and hope to do the island and ourselves proud.’

The squad, which left the island on Wednesday, consists of 12 travelling players and two non-travelling reserves. Coaches Emma Williams and Charlotte Christian and team managers Debbie Evans and Laurelle Kneen have also made the trip.

Team manager Kneen added: ’We’re extremely excited to finally get to the tournament.

’It is a great opportunity for these girls and the coaches have worked really hard preparing them.’

Manx Rams fixtures:

Friday, October 12

10.30am v Gibraltar

5pm v Republic of Ireland

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Saturday, October 13

10.30am v Malta

7pm v Switzerland

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Sunday, October 14

10am v United Arab Emirates