DESPITE the torrential rain some of the best teams in the world took over the Coldharbour Leisure Centre for the Inter-Island Netball tournament, writes Clare Cox.

The annual contest saw teams from UK, Jamaica, Angile in the Cayman Islands, Africa Nations, All Nations, Barbados, New Zealand, St Lucia and the West Indies in a day-long exhibition of tough competition.

Inter-Island is a well established, prestigious contest held in south east London and has seen Jamaica dominate during the past two years with squads consisting of talent from the area, most of whom play in the North West Kent Netball League (NWKL).

However, this year there was an unexpected challenge from the UK team who amazed everyone in winning the final and taking all the glory in a thrilling 19-18 win.

UK team captain Sophie Christy said: "The competition was fierce and as the underdogs we definitely felt the pressure but we triumphed and won in style.

"We are looking forward to next year when we will be defending our title. Maureen Gordon and Marlene Wander did a superb job organising and running the tournament."

Secretary of the NWKL Beverley Dyson: "The UK held their nerve in a goal-for-goal final and played some brilliant driving passes.

"There was some outstanding netball on show at what was a fantastic day of netball and passionate country representation.

"In the later stages of the competition the athletes really upped their game and we saw some great netball.

"It was a great opportunity for Coldharbour to host this event."

The day started with the teams parading in their national strips and waving flags and banners in a very colourful opening ceremony.

The structure of the contest means every team met each other in a series of hard-fought matches for a place in the final four. With Jamaica fielding three teams it meant every team had to play 10 gruelling tactical matches.

Tournament organiser Marlene Wander said: "The competition really took off and the netball from these girls was a sight to see with defending and shooting equalling any international game.

"New Zealand rose to the challenge and beat African Nations in the third and fourth play-off.

"It was an exciting final but watch this space next year because Jamaica will be gunning for it and UK want to defend their title."