IT has been another superb year of competition in the Okehampton Ladies’ Netball League, which has now come to a close for the season.

There were 20 teams competing, split into in three divisions.

Sue Manners, the league chairman, said: ’When I have had the chance, I have enjoyed walking around and watching games, I am always impressed by the standard of play, the great sportsmanship shown and seeing how much everyone seems to be enjoying their games.

‘We have a huge age range in the league and it is great to see the enthusiasm of the younger players, this will be a continuing legacy for the league.

Last June the league secured funding to cover the costs of a summer league under the England Netball banner of ‘Big Summer of Netball’ with ‘turn up and play’ sessions.

Sue said: ‘This really was great fun with mixing everyone up giving players a chance to play with players from all divisions in a friendly, non-pressure situation, which also gave players an opportunity to have a go at umpiring and gain in confidence. This six week series coincided with OCRA’s ‘Sports week’ which was well attended and fantastic fun.’

The league ran two umpiring evenings this season with a different format, which has encouraged more people to have a go at umpiring. Although there were no takers for the C award umpiring course this year Sue said it was ‘fantastic’ to see some of the younger players stepping up to umpire.

Sue said: ’We gained the use of the old sports hall this season, which has been a welcome chance to be inside when the freezing rain is coming horizontally on the all-weather courts.

’There have been a couple of minor injuries this year and I would encourage teams to have a first aid kit with them that includes the icepacks that are activated by cracking the contents, I personally had a dash in agony from the old sports hall to Parklands reception for an ice pack when I broke my finger in March.

’I have had a tough year personally this year but there has always been great support from the rest of the committee. We do work very much as a team and I would like to thank them again for being there, many hands make light work.

’I took on the role of chair on the understanding that it was to be a three year commitment, I am happy to continue for 2017-18 which will be my third year, but someone else needs to take it over from 2018, so please give it some thought!’