NETBALL – Bahrain will be fielding two teams in this weekend’s 36th Inter-Gulf Netball Championships, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.
The Bahrain Pearls and the Bahrain Gems will be flying the kingdom’s flag high this Friday and Saturday amongst the region’s leading netball squads.
The Pearls will be competing in the event’s top-tier open division, while the Gems will be playing in the social category.
With three months of intense training under the guidance of head coach Jo Reed, the Pearls are ready to test their skills and teamwork against the Gulf’s top talent.
This year’s Inter-Gulf Netball Championships marks the Pearls’ first competitive appearance since their impressive debut at the Asian championship last October in India. That experience has proven invaluable, with Reed emphasising how it has strengthened the team both technically and mentally.
“We’ve seen real growth across the squad,” Reed told the GDN. “The Asian championship challenged us on every level, but the players have responded brilliantly.
“There’s a sharper edge to their game now, and they’ve developed into a tight, cohesive unit. I’m confident they’ll bring that same energy and focus to Abu Dhabi.”
Spearheading the Pearls onto the court will be inspirational captain Stacey Clarke, whose leadership continues to be a driving force for the team. Supporting her are vice-captains Rama Salem and Martine Timmer-Arends, both known for their strategic play and determination.
Also featuring in the Pearls line-up is long-standing team member Helen Stewart, a veteran of the Inter-Gulf tournament. This will be Stewart’s final appearance in the competition as she prepares to leave Bahrain after 22 years. Her presence will be a powerful motivator for the squad, who are eager to send her off with a strong performance.
Rounding out the team are Amani Al Asfoor, Gina Adendorff, Khulood Sabah, Bryony Russell, Raegan Booth, and Sandra Le Grange – a dynamic mix of seasoned players and emerging talent ready to leave their mark on the tournament.
The Pearls will compete over two days of fast-paced, high-stakes netball action. Other teams competing in the open division are Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Vets, Al Ain, Dubai Green, Dubai White, the Dubai Vets, and Qatar.
Meanwhile, the Gems are coached by Claire van Minnen, who is currently rehabilitating from an injury she suffered after a standout performance in the Asian championship, where she was named the Pearls’ Most Valuable Player.
“As we put our final preparations in place for the Inter-Gulf Netball Championships this weekend, there’s a sense of excitement, nerves, and determination amongst the team,” van Minnen told the GDN.
“We have been working incredibly hard in the lead-up to this tournament. We have a great combination of youth and experience in the team, all of whom are ready to prove themselves on the court. We know we’re going to be going up against some tough competition, but we’re confident in our abilities and the work we’ve put in.
“We are looking forward to showcasing our skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, and ultimately, we want to leave everything on the court and make Bahrain proud.”
The Gems are to be led by captain Rebecca Ridler in her maiden Inter-Gulf outing. Vice-captains are the vastly experienced Jeannine Wessels and rising star Chloe Pankhurst. They are joined by teammates Shamsa Thomas, Bella Baker, Tiana Cockerill, Dana Jaberi, Aicha Arouche, and Helen Clarke.
Other squads in the social category are Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Vets Two, Al Ain, Fujairah, Riyadh, and Sharjah Vipers.
Pearls player Sabah, who is Bahrain Netball director, commented: “I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated coaches who have poured their time and energy into preparing our squads for the Inter-Gulf Netball Championships in Abu Dhabi.
“With netball growing steadily in Bahrain, this tournament is a fantastic opportunity to ignite more interest in the sport and showcase the talent we have. These tournaments also play a crucial role in preparing our players for the upcoming Asian championship in Hong Kong next year. They give our coaches valuable time to scout talent and continue building a stronger, more competitive squad.
“We’re heading to the UAE with determination, and we hope to return with some silverware and make Bahrain proud.”Ahead of this weekend’s tournament for seniors, Bahrain also participated in the Inter-Gulf Youth Netball Championship last weekend, also held in the UAE capital.
Bahrain’s under-12 team won the bronze medals in their Cup competition, while the under-14 Bahrain A side clinched silver in their age division’s Trophy finals.
The kingdom’s under-14 B team were also runners-up in their Plate finals.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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