BVI Netball Club Unbeaten in Dominica Tri-Series
The British Virgin Islands Netball Club completed an unbeaten run in a friendly Tri-Series in Dominica, winning their first two games and drawing the final against Spartans I. Coach Mandi J. Atak praised the tournament organisers and the experience gained, while the touring squad returns having tested combinations and built regional links, VINO reported.
ROSEAU, Dominica — The British Virgin Islands Netball Club opened its tour to Dominica in fine form, beating Celtic 27-13 in the opening match at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium forecourt, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reported. Atack, travelling with the squad, said she was "excited for the opportunity to compete in this Tri-Series and to test ourselves against strong regional opposition," VINO quoted after the first game.
The BVI attack in that match was led by sharpshooter Shaquille Rose, who converted 17 goals from 27 attempts, while Clita Russel added six from 10 and Atack herself scored four from 14, according to VINO's match report. Celtic scorers included Akeelah Daisy (6/14), Melissa Williams (3/12) and Nyabel Pacquette (3/10).
Building on that momentum, the touring team recorded a second friendly win over Bambish Touteweles. VINO said Rose again led the attack with 20 goals from 39 attempts, Russel (listed as "Chita" on the match sheet) scored 12 from 22 attempts and Atack (reported as "Atak" in one match report) added eight goals from 13 attempts.
Bambish Touteweles’ scorers were listed as Marcia Bannis (3/9), Breanna Challenger (11/27) and Alma Jno Baptiste (1/4), VINO noted. The tri-series finished on Monday, June 15 with a closely contested match against Dominica’s reigning national champions, Spartans I. VINO reported the game ended in a draw, with scoring for the VI credited to Shaquille Rose (10/19), Mandi J.
Spartans I were led by Anna-Maria Panthier (22/28) and Kenya John (5/10), VINO said. With two wins and a draw, the BVI Club completed the tri-series unbeaten. "The tournament went extremely well," Coach Atak said in a statement carried by VINO, praising the Dominica Netball Association (DNA) as "the perfect host" and calling the final match a "true showcase of talent and a nail-biting way to end the tournament." She added that the matches provided valuable experience playing against different styles of netball.
Atak also spoke about the wider benefits of the visit, telling VINO the squad enjoyed Dominica’s natural attractions and activities such as river tubing, and that the DNA has expressed interest in visiting Tortola in the future. The coach said they hope to welcome Dominican teams back to the British Virgin Islands next year for another tri-series, potentially alongside Trinidad, to deepen regional links and opportunities for players.
The touring roster — a blend of experience and youth — included Shenelca Richards (GK/GD), Fitsroy Randall (GK/GD), Liv Rees (GD/GK), Tammy Joseph (WD), Abi Lamorelle (WD/C), Abi Edwards (C/WA), Flo Laidler (WA/C), Nyssa Darby (WA), Mandi Atack (WA/GA), Shaquille Rose (GA/GS) and Clita Russel (GS/GK), VINO listed.
The tour is seen by coaches and organisers as an important barometer for the revival and development of netball in the BVI, giving players regular exposure to regional competition that will inform coaching, defensive structures and attacking combinations when they return home. Supporters at home were asked to follow VINO and the BVI Netball Association for full match results and post-tour assessments; the final was carried live on the Dominica Netball Association’s Facebook page, VINO said.
Primary source: VINO