This year’s Manx Netball Association season got under way with the annual Helen Kelly Memorial Tournament at the NSC on Sunday.

This event is played in memory of Helen who was a keen and talented netballer.

A donation raised from entry fees and a raffle is made to Walton Hospital in Liverpool each year at her family’s request. Her son Joe and daughter Ashleigh were at the NSC on Sunday to watch the final.

Twelve teams competed in two pools over the course of the morning. The tournament is a friendly season warm-up with teams often mixed from different leagues.

After three hours of play, the two leagues were topped by teams from Route 1 with two teams from Simcocks second.

In the first semi-final Route 1 B took on Simcocks Red. Simcocks managed to overcome the very tall Route 1 defence with some excellent shooting from one of their younger players.

The second semi saw Route 1 A against Simcocks Gold. The younger Simcocks playerrs were not able to break through the strong teamwork of their top-flight opponents.

This meant old rivals Route 1 A and Simcocks Red Eagles contested an even final, that latter coming out winners 10-7. Helen’s children Joe and Ashleigh presented Simcocks with their trophy.