×

WSM Rugby Sevens and Netball Tournament

Anticipation was high for our fourth annual charity rugby sevens and netball tournament, with 32 confirmed men’s teams, 10 netball teams, and for the first year we were incredibly pleased to have five ladies rugby teams signed up ready to compete on Saturday 11th June to raise money for Willow.

The weather forecast looked ominous, but the day began warm and overcast. Unfortunately due to injury, a couple of men’s teams were unable to make the tournament, but with a quick reshuffle of some teams, the damage was minimal. The morning’s preparation started early, with players arriving to watch some of the summer international matches, whilst volunteers were busy putting up tents and preparing for the day ahead.

Medical cover was provided by Wendy from Wimbledon Physiotherapy Clinic and Pippa from Richmond Physiotherapy with an ensemble of 15 physiotherapists giving up their Saturday to help pitchside with injuries and offer sports massage and taping (for a donation) to Willow. The BBQ was soon fired up by the Club, and the catering team started an almost continuous stream of bacon rolls and burgers throughout the day. Midday saw the arrival of an ice cream van to the delight of some of the younger spectators.

Our charity tombola had a host of gifts provided by Willow, Paul Strank Roofing and Crestbridge, and Willow had also kindly provided some signed football memorabilia for our silent auction.

The netball was competitively fun; KCLA doubled up the action this year with two teams and a hen celebration, clearly marked by the fetching white tutu on top of the netball kit. Lavender Park looked strong throughout, managing to win the cup final, and Karisma Netball walked away with the plate.

It was great to have five teams representing the ladies rugby tournament this year; Wimbledon Ladies, Sutton & Epsom, Barnes Ladies, Andreas Angels and Wasp Ladies all showed what they were made of in a round robin competition that saw a toughly fought final between Andreas Angels and Wasps, the latter emerging victorious, and the first winners of the inaugural Ladies Tournament.

Ironside Academy beat The Law Blacks in the shield final, Old Colfeians took home the bowl, and Belsize Park stormed through the knockout stages to take home the plate. A tense semi final between Saran’s team Old Hamptonians and Harry’s King Prawns resulted in the King Prawns going through to the cup final against the hosts once again. After a very close final, the King Prawns emerged cup winners for a third year in the row!

The live band, Encore, were in full swing after the final, and once the silverware was awarded to the victors, the social side of the tournament was underway, with hen party and other tournament players and spectators in full swing, dancing the night away, and enjoying some great live music after what we hope is another successful year of raising money for charity through sport.

DSC_0229

Pitchside assistance provided by Wimbledon Physiotherapy Clinic

DSC_0305

KCLA battle it out against Teddington Swans on the netball courts

DSC_0199

The Law Blacks take on Built Offsite Thundercats in the pool stages

Karisma

Karisma Netball win the plate

Lavender Park

Lavender Park Netball take home the cup medals

Wasps

Wasps win the ladies tournament

Belsize Park

Belsize Park – Plate winners

King Prawns

King Prawns celebrating

band

Live music from Encore

Amanda Menassa

Amanda graduated from Brunel University, with a joint honours degree, achieving a BSC and BA degree in Leisure Management and Television and film studies. Amanda started her career in a customer service role before joining the hotel group Le Meridien as an Events coordinator, she was in the hotel industry for seven years and during her time won an award from a major international airline for her outstanding attitude and dedication to customer service, which she achieved while working for the Rezidor hotel group in the position of Airline Crew Manager. Amanda has over 20 years experience in customer relations and event management.

Show More...