VISITING Nomads reigned supreme at the South & West Dorset Netball League’s charity tournament.

The event proved a huge success with North Dorset League outfit Nomads claiming the crown after boasting an unbeaten record at Budmouth.

Following on from last year’s fun-filled event, Kelly Browne organised another fundraiser, this time for two charities – the Will Mackaness Trust and the Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust.

The two charities were nominated by players within the league and the committee were in full support of their worthy causes.

Ten teams entered the tournament from all over the county. After severe rain the day before it was doubtful as to whether the event would take place. However, much to everyone’s delight, the day was blessed with glorious sunshine.

The tournament was played in a round-robin style, with each team playing nine gruelling 12-minute matches.

All games were played in accordance with the World Series Rules – the main difference being that shooters from each team were able to score from outside the shooting circle, gaining two points for each successful attempt.

Teams also had a ‘power play’ half in each game, doubling any points scored during that period.

Many sides managed to score at least one long-range shot, but it was Julien Lawes who stole the show, scoring a host of double-pointers for Belle Construction, earning them the greatest score in any one game of 28.

But it was not enough to see them crowned champions, instead Belle were forced to settle for third sport behind Nomads and runners-up Westfield, who were narrowly beaten by the winners during the round-robin.

Organiser Browne was delighted with the success of the event.

She said: “Although a few teams had to pull out due to work commitments, everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

“Special thanks go to Pam Govier, who represented the Will Mackaness Trust during the day and who very kindly organised the raffle, Caroline Kellaway for travelling from Piddletrenthide to do the timing and provide the emergency gazebo, Budmouth CSC for allowing us to use the courts free of charge, Kevin Frampton and Tracey Squibb for providing photos, and all the other helpers who baked cakes to sell and who arrived early and stayed late to assist me.

“We have raised more than £300, which is brilliant. I hope to make this an annual event and hopefully we’ll have even more interest next year and raise even more money and awareness for local charities.”