Netball Scorpions crowned champions for first time in two decades |28 July 2023
SCORPIONS … League champions (Photo: Contributed)
Scorpions have secured their first league title in 20 years following their win against former champions Anse Etoile Sisters on Monday.
The match took place at the La Promenade court and Scorpions went all out to earn their first title.
After a cagey first period, the score was tied at six (6) goals apiece, but Scorpions stepped up their game in the second period and led 11-8. They eventually won the match on a 19-9 score to be crowned champions with a match to spare.
Scorpions’ last match is on August 2 against Health and the league will officially close with a knockout tournament between the five teams.
Speaking to Sports NATION, Scorpions captain Karin Belmont expressed her joy on behalf of her team. “We are very happy and proud of our performance in the league and especially after defeating Anse Etoile Sisters as they are a force in netball in Seychelles,” said Belmont.
She also mentioned that at the beginning of the game it was tough as their opponents were playing some good netball, but after they found their rhythm they dominated the rest of the match.
Scorpions were the runners-up last year in the league as their rivals Anse Etoile Sisters celebrated the win. “Every year we finished second but this year we were more determined and we battled fiercely to become champions,” said Belmont.
The Scorpions captain added that their good teamwork played a major role in the league and in their match against Anse Etoile Sisters as they got the win which helped crown them champions. Still according to her, the players usually do personal training at home.
Belmont has been playing netball for over 20 years and she mentioned that the sport has little visibility and recognition in Seychelles.
“We need to raise more awareness and attract younger players as only a few of them are practicing the sport,” said Belmont.
She added that the media should regularly cover their games to give them more visibility. The captain added that there should be more games and tournaments during the year for the population to see that netball is just as exciting as any other popular sport such as volleyball and basketball.
Belmont expressed that the new generation should be influenced to take up the sport as most of the current players are past their prime years. “It would be a good initiative if netball could be introduced in the school’s physical education curriculum so that we can attract more youngsters,” said Belmont. She stressed that many people think that netball is a sport for veterans which is not the case.
“Netball is very popular all around the world and even in the region. You need to be fit to practise the sport and I believe many young girls have the physique to play netball,” concluded captain Belmont.
Neil Sirame