Peebles 25
Earlston A 6
AITKEN TURNBULL NETBALL BORDER LEAGUE UNDER-13 FINAL
YOUNG netball players from across the Borders had their first taste of intense match pressure at the weekend when the final of the Aitken Turnbull Under-13 Border League attracted large numbers of vocal supporters.
And the top two Borders teams in the age group, Peebles and Earlston, rose to the occasion in a highly-competitive game, which would ultimately decide the outcome of the league, and produced some remarkable and mature play.
Earlston, fourth-placed in the league last season, put on a feisty, determined performance throughout, relentlessly pressurising their opponents with tight, physical marking and showing great promise for the future.
Peebles’ game was overall smoother and more organised, which produced many more opportunities on goal for their shooters.
The final scoreline reflected exceptional all-round play and their well-deserved victory saw the trophy returning to the Peebles club for another year.
Linda Nicholson, chair of Borders Netball and coach to the winning Peebles team, told TheSouthern: “Of course, the icing on the cake for me has been seeing my own Under-13 team play so well throughout, winning all of their matches and retaining the league title for Peebles Netball. This high-standard competitive experience will stand them in very good stead over the coming months when they compete in national championship matches throughout Scotland.”
In the other matches played at the Hawick High School venue, Berwickshire A beat Hawick B by 33–0 to pick up third place in the league, while Hawick A took advantage of their home venue to secure wins against Berwickshire B by 21-7 and against Earlston B by 21-3, securing fourth place overall.
David Burgher, representing Aitken Turnbull Architects, sponsors of the league, was in attendance to present the trophy and medals.
Nicholson added: “Everyone involved in the Aiken Turnbull Border League is delighted with the way it has developed.
“Not only has it opened up new sporting opportunities and aspirations for hundreds of girls in the region, but we now have a host of adults who are taking their netball umpiring and coaching awards or are involved in team management activities.
“Sponsors of the league, Aitken Turnbull Architects, have been very generous and supportive, following the league’s progress and attending key matches, and we are hugely indebted to them.”
Final league table
P W D L C Pts
Peebles 6 6 0 0 0 30
Earlston A 6 5 0 1 0 26
B’shire A 6 4 0 2 0 22
Hawick A 6 3 0 3 0 18
Earlston B 6 2 0 3 1 13
B’shire B 6 1 0 5 0 10
Hawick B 6 0 0 5 1 5
Peebles: Maddy Docherty (captain), Mhairi Davidson (vice capt), Ishbel Dickson, Brogan Lamb, Amy McTeir, Alice McBride, Charlotte Hope, Rachel Forsyth, Dawn MacLean, Adele Tait. Coach: Linda Nicholson. Team manager: Lynn Hudson.