Ashford Netball League keen to make summer fest a permanent fixture after 20 teams make first tournament since 2019 a success

The Ashford Netball League are hoping their summer tournament is here to stay after their first event post-pandemic proved a success.

The tournament was open to clubs that are members of England Netball and teams from Canterbury, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Medway and Folkestone joined 15 local sides at Stanhope for a series of 10-minute matches in which having fun was just as important as winning.

Bragging rights were up for grabs, though, and Homewood came out on top, beating fellow Ashford side Breakaways Gold to victory.

A league spokesperson said: “It was great to see teams from all over Kent come together in Ashford for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The weather was perfect and there were lots of happy faces. With such a good turnout this year, and lots of positive feedback, it is hoped that the tournament will become a regular annual event.

“Many thanks go to the organisers, volunteers, umpires, players, visiting teams and spectators for making it such a great day.”

Results: 1st Homewood; 2nd Breakaways Gold; 3rd Woodchurch; 4th Pilgrims (Canterbury); 5th Dolphins; 6th HSD; 7th Pick n Mix; 8th Sandhawks; 9th Barretts; 10th Breakaways White; 11th Falcons; 12th Tenterden; 13th Marshmallows; 14th Sharks; 15th Edge (Tonbridge); 16th Mavericks (Maidstone); 17th Fairview Inferno (Medway); 18th Rubies; 19th Barclays; 20th Tri-Fusion All Stars (Folkestone).

Meanwhile the league’s Bounce Back to Netball open sessions continue at Stanhope this month.

Sessions, for players aged 14 and above, cost £3 and will be held on June 13 (6.30pm), June 19 and June 27 (both 7.55pm).

Visit the club on Facebook for more information.