On Saturday 8 June, a not-so-sunny day (in strong contrast to the heatwave of last year), eight Walking Netball teams from around the Peak District came together for our tournament at Chapel Leisure Centre in Chapel-en-le-Frith, with over 70 players taking part.

Three new teams, from New Mills, Ashbourne and Queens Park in Chesterfield, joined the five teams which competed in the inaugural tournament last year, from Buxton, Tideswell, Glossop (2) and Hathersage, who were back to defend their title having been victorious in 2023.

Due to the increased team numbers, the format changed from a round-robin to two group pools with a play-off match to settle the rankings.

Both Ashbourne and Queens Park topped their groups, winning all three of their group matches, with some draws and bonus-point losses shaking up the tables below them.

The play-off match for 7^th/8^th position was between Tideswell and newcomer, New Mills, who had secured 4 points during their group matches. Tideswell, who had not secured any points, ended the day well and swooped in for the win, taking 7^th place.

The 5^th/6^th position-play-off match was played between Glossop Aces and last year’s tournament winners, Hathersage, who had both won one match during the group stage. Hathersage won with a decisive victory, 8-2, securing 5^th spot.

The gold medal match, with all other teams watching on, was played between newcomers Queens Park and Ashbourne.

A competitive game, it was well-won by Queens Park with impressive performances by their two shooters, securing a 14-4 victory and taking home the trophy.

It’s wonderful to bring together the Walking Netball community from around the Peak District for a friendly, yet very competitive, tournament and great to see some familiar faces. We heard laughter and comradery all day.

Despite the occasional rain shower, the morning was enjoyed by all with teams arranging friendly matches and already discussing and making plans for next year’s tournament, which will take place on the same weekend next year.

If you would like to get involved with Walking Netball, with any of the clubs mentioned, please get in touch.

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Results

Group Stages:

Group 1

1. Ashbourne W3 = 15pt
2. Buxton W1 D1 L1 (1bp) = 9pt
3. Glossop Aces W1 L2 = 5pt
4. New Mills W0 D1 L2 (1bp) = 4pt

Group 2

1. Queens Park W3 = 15pt
2. Glossop Diamonds W2 L1 = 10pt
3. Hathersage W1 L2 (2bp) = 7pt
4. Tideswell L3 = 0pt

Play-Offs:

• 4th: New Mills v Tideswell – 1-5
• 3rd: Glossop Aces v Hathersage – 2-8
• 2nd: Buxton v Glossop Diamonds – 6-2
• 1st: Ashbourne v Queens Park – 4-14

Final Rankings:

1. Queens Park
2. Ashbourne
3. Buxton
4. Glossop Diamonds
5. Hathersage
6. Glossop Aces
7. Tideswell
8. New Mills

On Saturday 10^th June, High Peak Netball Club hosted its first walking netball tournament, and the first to take place in the High Peak. Five teams contended for the title of Peak District Champions 2023 – Buxton, Tideswell, Hathersage, Glossop Aces and Glossop Diamonds – surrounded by the fantastic views from the outdoor courts at Chapel Leisure Centre.

“After playing a few games between the various clubs, we decided to come together for a tournament” says organiser and High Peak Netball Club coach, Ali Quas-Cohen. “It’s great to see such a big walking netball community in the High Peak and we hope other clubs from around the Peak District will join us in the future.”

For those not familiar with it, walking netball is a lower-impact version of the running alternative. “There’s no running, no jumping, so it’s easier on the joints, you get an extra step to help with stopping and an extra second to throw the ball. But there’s no less skill involved and it’s still a great, full-body workout. And as it’s a technical sport with lots of rules, it’s also a good test for the mind and memory!”

“It was great to see everyone coming together to enjoy the sport and its social side” says Ali. “We have a real range of players at the clubs from complete beginners, those who haven’t played in decades, to experienced netballers who are slowing down a little. And players from the High Peak netball league came along on the day to support the tournament, to play and to umpire.”

“Many teams had family members and friends come to watch so there was a really nice atmosphere. Amelia wrote “I loved watching my nana play, it was really nice”. And big thanks go to James, husband of one of the Tideswell players, who kept time, and to the other partners and club members who helped score the games”.

With some close, competitive games, the round-robin tournament saw Hathersage take top spot, with four wins out of four, thanks to some expert shooting from a mother-daughter pair. Buxton placed second with Glossop Aces just behind in third. Tideswell placed fourth and Glossop Diamonds fifth. At the end, bronze, silver and gold medals were awarded and the brand new trophy lifted.

One player, Raegan, said “What a fabulous event, everybody had so much fun. Looking forward to next year” and Lisa wrote “it was great, really enjoyed playing, such fun”.

“We hope to make it an annual tournament on the same weekend” says Ali, “so get the dates in the diaries! Saturday 8 June 2024”.

For anyone interested in giving Walking Netball a go, the sessions are:

• 5pm-5.45pm on Thursdays at Glossop Leisure Centre
• 10am-11am on Wednesday mornings in Hathersage (on the MUGA next to the swimming pool)
• 10am-11am on Friday mornings at Tideswell MUGA with Tideswell & District Sports Association
• and our sessions are currently also outside in Tideswell, 5.30pm-6.30pm on a Wednesday afternoon. Indoor sessions will resume in Buxton in September, 5pm-6pm on Wednesdays. Contact us at highpeaknetballleague@outlook.com if you’d like more information or click here.