Super Shot Tournament Stuns in a Sporting First for Southsea
Southsea has played host to a landmark moment in local netball, as the city welcomed its very first Super Shot Tournament, courtesy of Southsea Netball League.
Inspired by the ‘Super shot’, as seen in the professional UK and Australian leagues, where long range shots are rewarded with two points, ten teams from across the county came to put their shooters to the test.
Leading the way was ‘Shot Happens’, who delivered a flawless performance throughout the tournament to finish undefeated and claim the top spot. Their consistency and composure under pressure proved too much for the competition. However, notable top performances were also on display from ‘Wolfpack’ who were hot on their heels coming a close second. In one 6-minute match alone Wolfpack scored 19 goals,amazing spectators and teams alike.
‘Team X’ secured a well-earned third place, with a series of closely fought matches, a highlight of which being a fantastic defensive turnover which led to a penalty super shot being scored in the final seconds of the game, securing a draw for the team.
It wasn’t only fantastic shooting that was on display, there was excellent defensive and midcourt play from a range of teams. Derrise Balantyne, Dani Sanders and Rosie Print were all seen making many a valuable interception for their teams: ‘Dollies’, ‘Stars’ and ‘Emeralds’.
‘Basingstoke’ and ‘Salisbury Swans’ travelled from further afield and showed themselves to be formidable teams, working solidly as a unit with excellent competitive spirit. ‘Third Time Lucky’ and ‘Pink Maidens’ also showed impressive tenacity and skill against some tough opposition.
Tournament organisers Jodie Chamberlain and Claire Griffiths expressed their delight at the event’s success, “We are passionate about netball and love that we are in a position to be able to host such a fun and competitive tournament, there have been so many talented netball players competing today. We look forward to more tournaments as our club, ‘Southsea Swifts’ and league, ‘Southsea Netball League’ continues to grow”.
Beyond the action on court, the event also made a meaningful impact off it, raising £180 for Naomi’s House on behalf of ‘Darcy’s Dream’; Darcy was diagnosed with a rare, incurable brain tumour, who after a series of treatments was referred to Naomi’s House in Winchester, where she spent her final 58 days enjoying precious time with her family. The charity is especially meaningful for organiser Claire who knows the family personally, "Today’s tournament happens to have fallen on Darcy’s 1 year anniversary which makes it even more special to be able to contribute to this fundraising effort. I know how much of a difference Naomi House made to Darcy’s family and it is certainly our wish to give back to this fantastic charity and help other families who are going though an unimaginably difficult time".
The event could not have been made possible without the umpires and volunteers – Vicky, Jen, Millie, Amy and Sean proved themselves to be invaluable throughout the day. With Millie's enthusiastic 'Two!' announcements as umpire being a particular highlight from the day.
With such a strong debut, the Super shot Tournament could well become a regular fixture in Southsea’s sporting calendar. To find out about upcoming tournaments and events visit: southseaswiftsnetball on Instagram and ‘Southsea Netball League’ on Facebook.
Final Results:
1st Shot happens – umpires’ player: Mel
2nd Wolfpack - umpires’ player: Becky
3rd Team X - umpires’ player: Rebecca
Emeralds - umpires’ player: Olive
Swans - umpires’ player: Chloe
Basingstoke - umpires’ player: Kate
3rd Time Lucky - umpires’ player: Anna
Pink Maidens - umpires’ player: Liv
Dollies – umpires’ player: Hannah
Southern Stars - umpires’ player: Grace