THE inaugural Newport Netball League was won by Nine Acres Primary School on finals day.

Held at Newport Primary School, the league featured three other schools this year — the hosts for the finals, St.Thomas of Canterbury and Carisbrooke.
 

Isle of Wight County Press: Jessica Sanderson (in blue) making a pass for St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, Carisbrooke, against Nine Acres.Jessica Sanderson (in blue) making a pass for St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, Carisbrooke, against Nine Acres.

The league, run across five continuous weeks, with regular games and training sessions, was the brainchild of Newport Primary PE teacher, Patrick Yates.

Newport Primary School was recently recognised as being the Island’s most improved sporting school at the recent Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards.

Isle of Wight County Press: Summer Goring, ten, of Newport CE Primary, looking to pass the ball.Summer Goring, ten, of Newport CE Primary, looking to pass the ball.

The final placings were hotly contested, with Nine Acres taking the league trophy, with Newport Primary, runners up

“The idea started as part of our drive to continually boost our provision of sport. We are so pleased with the league in its first year,” said Patrick.

Isle of Wight County Press: Louis Avis, 11, of Newport CE Primary, makes a shot against Carisbrooke Primary.Louis Avis, 11, of Newport CE Primary, makes a shot against Carisbrooke Primary.

“All of the children involved played at a high level — demonstrating superb progress over the past five weeks — and loved being involved.

“We hope we can grow the league in the coming years by adding more local schools to the competition, and make it a feature of our school sports calendar.”