Dragons soar to top of Border Adult Netball League

The league was set up by Peebles Netball two seasons ago using lottery funding and has gone from strength to strength attracting new teams and more women back into the sport.

Bigger and better this season, the league plays host to no fewer than 12 teams from West Linton to Earlston, involving around 140 women players and numerous new volunteers who have become involved in coaching, umpiring and team managing.

With the youngest recruits in their teens and the oldest heading towards 60 years old, the league is a jamboree of diversity and experience, competitive but sporting.

With six matches on the bill, the first league match of the season commenced with new Peebles Netball U13 captain, Lucy Smith bringing on the match ball sponsored by Clubsport Tweeddale to present to Hotshots captain Jen Holmes and Amy McTeir.

The ensuing match was tight throughout with Seniors just pulling away to a 36 goal to 23 victory over PH2O Plumbing- sponsored Hotshots.

Tweeddale Tigers notched up their first ever win in the league, beating newcomers Earlston by 25 goals to 18.

Last year’s Division 1 champions, Stobo-sponsored Dragons lived up to their name with a fearsome performance against their younger rivals, Pulse, ending with a 70 goals to 26 win, suggesting their eyes are on retaining the trophy this season.

New team Storm also played to their name, causing upset in a very close match, beating Stobo-sponsored Arrows by 20 goals to 18.

Gala Vixen were delighted with their 24 goals to 15 win over Linton Reivers, a West Linton outfit developed from the recent Bounce Back to netball initiative.

The evening ended with last year’s Division 2 winners, Jets, showing their intent with a clear win by 35 goals to 11 over Pumas.

The league table places Dragons at the top on goal difference, followed by Jets and Seniors.

Next league day is Sunday, September 18 at Peebles High School.

Matches start at 1.30pm. Spectator entry free. Cake stall.