Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
BAHRAIN'S top netball players were back in training this week - honing their skills in readiness for a tough championship challenge ahead.
For the women of Bahrain's Netball League, it is a fast-paced, skilful game requiring super reflexes, tactical thinking, and athleticism.
The players, who range in age from 14 to 47, are in training for the fiercest of competitions in the region, The Riffa Views Inter-Gulf Netball Championships, which will take place at the Bahrain Rugby Club on March 7-8.
The Bahrain Netball League will host the 22nd annual tournament for the first time since Bahrain A last won the competition in 1999.
Veteran captain of the A-squad, Beth Nunn, from Saar, said: "I am really exited about the tournament and also a bit nervous as there's a lot of pressure because it's being held in Bahrain. But we're confident we can win."
The championship is the only international platform for netball in the Middle East and attracts over 300 of the best players from around the Gulf for two days of highly competitive play. Seventeen teams from Dubai, Al Ain, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait will attend this year's event along with five teams representing Bahrain.
For the first time in the 22-year history of the tournament, a 'Talent and Performance' team of up-and-coming players from the UK will compete in a special part of the tournament called the "Invitational Cup" in which they will play against the eight top-seeded teams from last year's competition.
"It can get quite competitive and over the years we've had a few injuries; people have come back in wheelchairs because of ankle injuries," explained Ms Nunn.
Mel Goosen, 25, the squad co-coordinator from Saar, said: "Netball is taken quite seriously now - there is a world cup and it's in the Commonwealth Games.
"I have played netball since I was seven. I came to Bahrain 15 years ago and I've been playing ever since. It's not just about keeping fit but there is a great social factor too."
Kate Knapton, 38, chairwoman of the Bahrain Netball League added: "Netball is such a great way to kept fit and also to meet friends."
She is excited by the upcoming tournament and hailed Riffa View's sponsorship of the event adding: "Our partnership with Riffa Views has been critical for us to be able to stage this event and achieve the plans that we have put into place for a great weekend of netball.
"The inclusion of the 'Talent and Performance' team from the UK and the attendance of two 'All England Netball' umpires will certainly set a new standard for the tournament."
Richard Browning, CEO of Riffa Views, said: "Our title sponsorship of the Riffa Views Inter-Gulf Netball Championships comes as part of our commitment to establish a platform that enables further development of sports in Bahrain."
More than 150 matches will be played at the Bahrain Rugby Club's netball courts over the two-day competition. Teams will be divided into four pools for the first stage to establish rankings. They will then be divided into three pools and play knockout matches as they compete for the Championship Cup, Plate and Bowl.
The Riffa Views Championship Cup final and the Invitational Cup final will wrap up the tournament on March 8, and present an opportunity for Bahrain's sport lovers to witness first-rate netball.
Bahrain Netball League event manager Michaela Milne said: "The Invitational Cup final will be a dream match to watch. We can't wait to see the best team in the Gulf region take on the 'Talent and Performance' team from the UK."
The championships takes place from 9.30am to 5pm on March 7 and from 9.30am to 2pm the following day. For more information, contact Michaela Milne on 36600308 or email kylamilne@mac.com
