Defending Champions SVG Open Netball Title Defence in Dominant Fashion Despite Rain Disruptions

By Robertson Henry

ST GEORGE’S, GRENADA; SATURDAY AUGUST 23, 2025 – Defending champions St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) opened their campaign at the ECCB International Netball Series with a commanding display before heavy rains forced the postponement of their match against Guyana on Saturday.

The Vincy Jewels led 42–10 midway through the third quarter when persistent showers made conditions unplayable at the Tanteen Hard Courts, just outside St. George’s. Umpires halted play, and organizers later confirmed that the fixture would be rescheduled.

SVG started strongly with crisp passing and composed shooting despite the slippery surface. Goal-shoot Maryann Frederick was in top form, netting 25 goals before the stoppage. Statistics for the other shooters were unavailable as the match was left incomplete.

Sunday’s fixtures also suffered setbacks, with the scheduled Guyana vs Antigua and Barbuda match called off before the rains returned to wash out the day’s play entirely.

The disruptions frustrated organizers, media, and fans alike, as only two of the five scheduled games were completed over the weekend. Extensive mop-up operations were required throughout the day, with puddles on the open courts making play unsafe.

In completed matches, hosts Grenada defeated Dominica 65–43, while Antigua and Barbuda outclassed Anguilla 63–17. The other rained-out encounters left SVG ahead of Guyana 42–10, Saint Lucia leading Montserrat 38–5, while the Barbados vs Cayman Islands clash never started.

SVG, the top-ranked Eastern Caribbean team and third in the Americas (behind Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago), entered the tournament as favourites. This year’s event also marks Guyana’s return to regional netball, featuring alongside Barbados and the Cayman Islands in the international component.

However, the rain-enforced postponements have cast uncertainty over the already tight schedule, with organizers yet to announce a revised fixture list.

Adding to the frustrations, poor logistical planning marred the opening ceremony. Media representatives reported difficulty photographing speakers due to podium placement, poor sound quality hindered audio recording, and viewers of the live broadcast were left without sound altogether. To date, organizers have not addressed these issues.

The 2025 ECCB International Netball Series runs from August 22 to September 1, 2025, at the Tanteen Hard Courts in Grenada.