The 2025/26 Netball Bermuda League season launched with a flurry of action at Bernard Park, showcasing both future stars and seasoned veterans across the Junior and Senior Divisions. Despite a damp start that saw the 10 & Under Division games cancelled, the enthusiasm remained high for the opening day fixtures.
Juniors
10 & Under Division
Unfortunately the 10 & Under Division games were cancelled due to rain
14 & Under Division
In the 14 & Under Division, Phoenix set an early statement with a commanding 10-0 shutout victory over Dandy Stars. Quinn Burgess proved to be the attacking lynchpin for Phoenix, sinking 9 goals, while Zaina Jones added the other. Kenzi McCreary earned the dual honours of Best Defender and MVP for the victorious side.
For Dandy Stars, Naiah Rayner was recognized as the Best Defender and MVP, with Knalah Thompson named Best Attacker.
The other match in the division provided high-octane drama as Storm Thunder narrowly edged out the North Village Lady Rams with a thrilling 14-13 scoreline. Storm Thunder's triumph was powered by MVP Tamirra Richardson's 10 goals, with support from Best Defender Honor White (2 goals) and Elsie Purcell (1 goal). Asia Burt was named their Best Attacker.
In a valiant effort for the Lady Rams, Taylor Kyme scored 8 goals and Best Attacker Sanaa Hodsoll contributed 5, but they fell just short. Tiana Scott was the team's MVP, and Indica Wilson-Bean was named Best Defender.
16 & Under DivisionM
The goal fest continued in the 16 & Under Division where Phoenix Fire proved too hot to handle for Dandy Stars, winning convincingly 45-3. Best Attacker Caillia Joell led the charge with a game-high 24 goals. MVP Ameerah Richardson Swan added 9 goals, Shiloh Simmons scored 8, and Zyari Lawrence netted 4 times. Kree Holdipp was also named the team's MVP.
The Dandy Stars managed 2 goals from Jada Morgan-Dill and one from Izzy Hassell.
In another tightly contested affair, the North Village Lady Rams secured a narrow 21-19 win against Storm. The Lady Rams’ victory was marshalled by their Best Attacker E’rynn Paynter, who accounted for 18 goals, supported by 3 goals from S’mai Tyrell. Kse Jennings earned MVP honours, and Riley Jones was named Best Defender.
For Storm, Sah-Quirity scored 13 goals, while Best Attacker Journee Belboda added 4 and Nala Richardson scored twice. T’jaia Butler was named both Best Defender and MVP for her efforts.
Senior
First Division
The First Division saw Storm dominate DC Diamonds with a decisive 24-11 victory. Jamir Hatherley was the standout for Storm, sinking 16 goals, while Malaysia Furbert added 7 and J’Zari Zuill-Dillas scored 2. Hatherley's performance earned her the MVP award, with Malaysia Furbert named Best Attacker and Naomi Crofton Best Defender.
DC Diamonds' goals came from Cindi-Anna Darrell (6), Sioma Rudo (3), and Saajida Daniels (2). Naseesha Talbot was the Diamonds' MVP, Jayla Furtardo Simmons the Best Attacker, and Jae’leia Johnston Best Defender.
Premier Division
In the Premier Division, Tigers made a powerful statement by overcoming Phoenix Heat 35-17. The Tigers' scoring was evenly spread, with Jahkenya Trott leading with 18 goals, Jahtuere Trott adding 13, and Diara Benjamin contributing 4. Brianna Ray took her Cricket talents to the courts and had an outstanding match, securing both the MVP and Best Attacker awards, while Khianda Pearman-Watson was named Best Defender.
For Phoenix Heat, Kezhari Knight scored 12 goals and K’xiyae Gibbons netted 5. Kiante Lightbourne was a dual award winner for the Heat, named both MVP and Best Defender, with Jaya Dillas taking the Best Attacker award.
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Bermuda Win Battle of the Isles Tournament Silver Medal
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Women’s National Netball team battled fiercely in the final of the Battle of the Isles Netball Tournament but were ultimately forced to settle for a well-earned silver medal after falling 61-32 to the dominant Canadian side. The defeat, while disappointing, was the only thing standing between the 'Longtails' and a perfect tournament.
First Quarter: Bermuda kept pace initially, with Inshan-Nae Smith netting 4 goals and Zakiyah Durham adding 5. However, Canada finished the quarter with a tight 13-9 advantage.
Second Quarter Shift: The Canadians tightened their defence significantly in the second period, restricting Bermuda to just five goals. Smith scored 4, but Durham was held to just a single goal. Canada capitalised fully, pulling away to a commanding 32-14 lead at the half-time break.
Despite the growing deficit, Bermuda showed resilience and fighting spirit in the second half.
Third Quarter: Bermuda’s scoring struggled against the intense pressure, adding 7 goals with JahKenya Trott netting 5 and Durham scoring 2. Canada maintained their dominance, leading 48-21 heading into the final period.
Final Quarter: The Longtails managed their highest-scoring quarter in the fourth, netting 11 goals. Trott finished strong with 7 goals, while Durham chipped in with 4, as the match concluded with a final score of 61-32 to the undefeated Canadians.
The scoring was distributed among the attackers, with Trott and Durham both finishing the final with 12 goals each, and Smith adding 8 goals.
The final match capped a demanding run for the Longtails, whose successful campaign included a vital win against hosts St. Maarten and a dominant performance against Guadeloupe. The squad heads home with a well-deserved silver medal and valuable ranking points, confirming the significant progress being made by the National Netball Programme on the international stage.
Earlier in the day, the Bermuda National Netball team executed their plan to perfection this morning, delivering a crushing 83-6 victory over Guadeloupe in their seventh match of the Battle of the Isle Netball Tournament.
The dominant performance served as the ideal warm-up, allowing the 'Longtails' to rest key players and turn their full attention to the highly anticipated final against Canada later this evening.
Bermuda Dominate from the WhistleThe match was a clinical exercise in efficiency and control from Bermuda, who needed a big win to boost ranking points while managing player minutes.
Bermuda burst out of the gates, quickly establishing a formidable advantage to lead 14-2. Inshan-Nae Smith was accurate with 8 goals, while JahKenya Trott added 6.
The Longtails were relentless, racking up an incredible 26 goals in the second quarter alone. Trott found her rhythm, sinking 21 goals, with Smith adding 5 more. The half-time score stood at an overwhelming 40-3 in favour of Bermuda.
The second half continued the trend of Bermudian dominance, allowing the coaching staff to strategically rotate the squad ahead of the final.
Trott remained in superb form, adding 14 goals, while Smith chipped in with 5. Bermuda extended their lead to 59-4 after three quarters, effectively sealing the victory and providing valuable court time for the entire squad.
The final quarter saw a further 25 goals scored by Bermuda, with the introduction of Keizhari Knight providing a fresh burst of energy. Knight contributed a massive 20 goals in the quarter, with Jahture Trott adding 4.
The victory was built on a massive scoring effort, led by the precision of Jahkenya Trott who scored 41goals, Keizhari Knight added 20 goals, Inshan-Nae Smith chipped in with 18 goals, and Jahture Trott scored 4 times.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Bermuda Dominate Hosts St. Maarten to Power into Final
IslandStats.com
Bermuda have sent a resounding message to their rivals, delivering a dominant performance to defeat hosts St. Maarten 44-23 and secure their place in the final of the Battle of the Isle Netball Tournament. From the very first whistle, the Bermuda 'Longtails' played with an intensity and precision that left their opponents stunned.
From the outset, Bermuda's intent was clear. With adrenaline high and confidence soaring, the Longtails established an immediate rhythm. Their athleticism and agility proved too much for St. Maarten, who struggled to contain Bermuda's slick passing and sharp shooting. By the end of the first quarter, Bermuda had already built a commanding lead, finishing 14-2. Zakiyah Durham was particularly impressive, sinking 8 goals, ably supported by Inshan-Nae Smith with 6.
Bermuda's dominance continued into the second quarter, not just in attack but with a suffocating defence. The formidable duo of Khianda Pearman-Watson at Goal Keeper and Demiqua Daniels at Wing Defence were immense, shutting down St. Maarten's attacking efforts with unmatched man-to-man marking. Their relentless pressure ensured scoring opportunities were scarce for the hosts.
Meanwhile, the scoring continued at the other end, with Zakiyah Durham bagging all 10 of Bermuda’s goals in the quarter. The Longtails went into halftime with a formidable 24-8 lead.
The third quarter saw Bermuda’s coaching staff strategically introduce fresh legs, bringing on Kaylee Lema at Centre and Jahtuere Trott at Wing Attack. These rotations allowed key players some much-needed rest without any dip in performance. Bermuda continued to control the tempo and extend their lead, ending the quarter 36-15, with Smith adding 4 goals and Durham another 8 to her impressive tally.
Despite further rotations in the final quarter, Bermuda maintained their composure and lead. At the final whistle, the Longtails secured a comfortable 44-23 victory, sealing their spot in the final.
Bermuda's journey isn't over yet. In a bid to regain their world ranking, they will first face Guadeloupe at 10 AM (Bermuda Time) tomorrow morning. Following that crucial fixture, the Longtails will then prepare for the ultimate test: the final against Canada at 9 PM (Bermuda Time).
The stage is set for a thrilling day of netball as Bermuda aims to capture the Battle of the Isle title and significantly boost their international standing.
Friday, October 24, 2025
Bermuda Secure Semi-Final Spot After Dominant Win
IslandStats.com
Bermuda has concluded the round-robin stage of the Battle of the Isles Netball Tournament with a commanding victory, defeating the British Virgin Islands (BVI) 47-17 to secure second place overall and a spot in the seeded semi-final round.
The win gives Bermuda an impressive 4-1 record in the tournament, with their only loss coming against the leaders, Canada.
Bermuda established an early advantage, leading 10-4 at the end of the first quarter. They tightened their grip in the second, scoring 11 goals while restricting the BVI to just five, taking a comfortable 21-9 lead into the half-time break.
The third quarter proved to be a high-scoring period for the Bermudian side, who netted 15 goals and held the BVI to just three, extending their lead to 36-12 heading into the final period. Bermuda maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 goals to seal the comprehensive 47-17 victory.
Finishing second behind Canada in the round-robin standings means Bermuda advances directly to the seeded semi-final. They will play the winner of the match between the third and sixth-placed teams this Saturday at 9 PM local time, with a coveted place in the tournament final at stake.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Mixed Day for Bermuda at Battle of the Isles
IslandStats.com
Bermuda experienced a challenging start to their second day at the Battle of the Isles Netball Tournament in the Caribbean, falling to a formidable Canadian side before bouncing back with a resounding victory.
Their opening match of the day saw Bermuda go up against a strong Canadian team, ultimately succumbing to a 71-32 defeat. Canada asserted their dominance early, outscoring Bermuda 35-21 in the first half. They continued to press in the second, netting 36 goals while restricting Bermuda to just 11, underlining the strength of their opposition.
However, Bermuda quickly regrouped. Following their match, the team travelled by boat to St Maarten for their fixture against Guadeloupe. There, they delivered a truly emphatic performance, securing a massive 82-12 victory.
This impressive win against Guadeloupe ensured Bermuda finished Day Two with a positive result, demonstrating their ability to recover and perform strongly despite earlier setbacks.
