IT was a hugely successful afternoon as teams from south Essex took part in the Southend & District Netball League Cup Finals at Westcliff High School for Girls.

Hullbridge took home the coveted Division One Grimes Cup as they got the better of the Bears 43-32 in a highly competitive final.

The result was perhaps a slight surprise, with the Bears winning the crown for the last three years but it was Hullbridge that took the honours this year.

The Player of Match was Hullbridge’s Sarah Richardson.

In the Division Two Chalkwell Cup, the Leigh Panthers edged out the Galaxy Jades 37-35 to win the trophy.

With just a point between the two heading into the final exchanges it was heartbreak for the Jades, with the Panthers’ Ashley Coombes scooping the Player of match award.

In Division Three, the Hockley Falcons went one better than last year as they won the Daven Allen Trophy against the Southern Mixers.

Hockley won 32-19, with Player of Match Tracy Kemsley impressing hugely for the victors.

And press officer Tricia Cocks said a great day was had by all.

“Despite traffic issues delaying people arriving and causing a few heart stopping moments the Cup Final started on time and ran smoothly,” he said.

“We were extremely lucky with the weather which encouraged a good number of supporters. All teams played very competitively even in the heat of the day.

“Many thanks to the organisers, Umpires scorers and spectators and of course teams for making it a successful day.”