2025 ECCB Netball Tournament Concludes with a Closely Contested Final

The Tanteen hard courts in Grenada witnessed a thrilling upset on August 31, 2025, as the home team edged out reigning champions St. Vincent and the Grenadines by a single point, 64-63, in the fifth ECCB International Netball Series. This victory snapped St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ undefeated streak, which stretched back to 2024, and injected renewed excitement into the regional netball scene. Despite the loss, St. Vincent and the Grenadines secured the overall 2025 championship title due to a superior goal average, highlighting the intense competition throughout the series. The match evoked memories of a similar close encounter in 2023, where Grenada snatched the title from St. Vincent and the Grenadines by a single goal, demonstrating the consistently tight contests between these two netball powerhouses.

Grenada dominated the match, maintaining a lead in every quarter. Their consistent performance saw them ahead 16-9 in the first, extending their advantage to 33-28 by halftime. They continued to build upon their lead, reaching 52-43 by the end of the third quarter, and ultimately holding on for the dramatic one-point victory. Lottysha Cato spearheaded Grenada’s attack, converting 56 of her 61 attempts, while Celina Brown provided valuable support with 8 goals from 10 attempts. For St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Maryann Frederick was the primary scoring threat, sinking 56 goals from 59 attempts, with Shellisa Davis contributing 7 goals from 8 attempts.

The final championship table reflected the tight competition in the series, with St. Lucia finishing third with 12 points and a goal difference of 73. Grenada secured second place, also with 12 points but boasting a significantly higher goal difference of 167. St. Vincent and the Grenadines emerged as champions, accumulating 16 points and an impressive goal difference of 272. This underscored their dominance throughout the tournament despite the final game upset. The close point totals between Grenada and St. Lucia highlighted the importance of goal difference in determining final standings.

Individual awards recognized outstanding performances throughout the series. Maryann Frederick earned the Most Accurate Shooter accolade, showcasing remarkable consistency with a 92.06% shooting accuracy. She netted an impressive 429 goals from 466 attempts across nine matches. Grenada’s Lottysha Cato also impressed with an 85.05% shooting accuracy, converting 330 goals from 388 attempts in eight matches. Frederick’s exceptional contributions were further acknowledged with the Most Valuable Player award for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and she also claimed the coveted Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award.

The team awards further emphasized St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ dominance in the series. They captured both the Best Shooting Team and Best Defending Team awards, demonstrating their prowess on both ends of the court. This comprehensive success solidified their position as the top team in the tournament, despite the thrilling final match defeat. The awards highlighted the well-rounded nature of their squad, capable of both scoring prolifically and effectively shutting down opposing offenses.

The 2025 ECCB International Netball Series provided a captivating display of athleticism, skill, and intense competition. The final match between Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines was a fitting climax to the tournament, showcasing the high level of netball in the region. While Grenada celebrated a memorable victory, St. Vincent and the Grenadines ultimately reigned supreme, cementing their status as regional netball champions. The series underscored the growth and development of netball in the Eastern Caribbean, promising an exciting future for the sport. The individual and team awards recognized exceptional performances and contributions, further highlighting the talent and dedication of the athletes involved.