On their way to the World Youth Games, which are being held in Cardiff later this month, the Canadian Under 21 netball side broke their journey in Chelmsford.

They stayed at New Hall School and on Wednesday evening played mid-Essex sides Kea and Teagate.

Canada's coach, Felicity Leader, was grateful for the opportunity to try different combinations, as this was only the second time the squad had played together.

Both teams beat the touring side, and showed the strength of netball in the county.

Thursday saw over 300 spectators pack into the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre in Chelmsford to watch the Eastern Region under 23s take on Canada under 21s.

A full supporting programme saw the proceedings start with a match between Christchurch of Ipswich and Eastwood.

Both teams had experienced players, and the accurate shooting from Louise Gammon of Eastwood put the Christchurch defence under pressure and at the final whistle, Eastwood had won by 40 goals to 25.

Next on court was the East Region Talent Squad who went through a typical work out, led by their coaches.

The East Region side was led out by Helen Lincoln from the England youth squad and Chelmsford's Suzanne Ward, who plays for Orion in the Chelmsford & District League, played goal shooter.

The enthusiastic crowd gave a warm welcome to both teams, and Canada were quite overwhelmed by the occasion and took some time to settle into their game, while the experienced East Region side showed style above their years.

They made some great interceptions, unsettling the inexperienced Canadian side and the East Region eventually won by 72 goals to 24.

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