SOUTHEND & District Netball League finalists battled for glory at Westcliff High School for Girls on Saturday.

Despite the forecast of heavy rain and a fear that the three finals would be washed out, the matches all went ahead in bright sunshine.

And with the first division won by Bears, the second division finale going to the Galaxy Jades and Lady Blues winning the third division the day was a big success, according to press officer Tricia Cocks.

She said: “This is one of the biggest days of our year and we were concerned the weather would ruin it.

“We had three finals running at the same time at the school’s outdoor courts – but the rain held off and it was sunny in the end.

“But the players had to contend with the very blustery conditions which is something no netball player likes because the ball can move so much in the air.”

The results produced a number of excellent performances with the league officials deciding upon player of the match awards for all three finals.

Hullbridge’s Abbey Williams was one of the winners alongside Galaxy Jades’ Fiona Hazelton and Lady Blues’ Helen Brand.

Cocks said: “There are almost 30 teams involved in the three divisions and the competition has been fierce all season.”

The league, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year is still one of the major competitive leagues in the south east, attracting plenty of grassroots support.

For many of the players there remains another highlight on the horizon – the end of season presentation evening which will be held at the Tandoori Parlour in Thundersley early next month.

PICTURE SPECIAL IN THURSDAY'S ECHO