Star player bets on more improvement for all-island netball champs

GLENMUIR HIGH School’s senior netball team created history twice in seven days as the team from May Pen, Clarendon, captured their first Rural Under-19 title after beating Manchester High at the National Indoor Sports Centre before returning to crown themselves all-island champions with the defeat of Urban Area champions, St Catherine High, in the final at Manchester High on Friday.

Leading the team to those historic moments was 17-year-old captain Briana Nevers.

Nevers has netball in her blood as she is the daughter of outstanding coach Winston Nevers, who has an excellent track record at all levels. A few years ago he served as assistant coach of the national senior team.

“It is a tremendous feeling knowing that we were able to win the all-island title to go along with our rural title. It is indeed a historic moment for the team and the school,” said young Nevers.

Briana said she has learnt a lot from her father.

“I have been playing netball from I was six years of age and so I learned a lot from my father. He taught me the basics of the game before coming to Glenmuir where coaches Ryon Reid and Annette Daley continued the process,” said Briana.

After their win last Friday, Briana was seen handing the all-island trophy to Daley who, over the years, has been a mentor to both Reid and the girls at Glenmuir.

“The trophy was handed to Ms Daley because of what she has done over the years. She has really played an important role with the players over the years, ensuring that we become better players in the sport. Really, she has been pivotal in our achievements and we really wanted to acknowledge what she did by handing her the trophy,” said Briana.

According to Briana, this is only the beginning for Glenmuir as they will be stronger next year.

“The team will only lose one player next year and we definitely will be coming to defend our title as several members of our strong junior team will be drafted into the senior team.”