The 2016 Netball Europe Open starts tomorrow at Sport Central, Newcastle as the Challenge Section gets underway with some of the finest players from a host of up-and-coming nations taking to the court.
It all starts from 9am with Malta facing USA. The Flying Eagles from the States are currently ranked 25th in the world and will be favourites heading into the fixture.
At 11am our guests from Israel will be facing the challenge of Grenada. The Caribbean side have experience on their side but Israel will be full of passion as they compete on their country’s Independence Day.
We welcome our friends from Ireland for the first time at 1pm as they take on Gibraltar. The team in green are currently sat 26th in the world rankings but will have to be at their best as an ever-improving side from the Iberian Peninsula will push them all the way.
After a brief rest, the Flying Eagles return to the court at 3pm with Switzerland the opposition. Only three places separate the sides in the world rankings, so it should be a very close game.
Israel, who only became a full member of Netball Europe in 2012, play their second match of the day when they face-off against Ireland at 5pm.
The opening day’s action draws to a close at 7pm when Gibraltar and Grenada go head-to-head as the Challenge Section begins to take shape.
Tickets for tomorrow’s play are priced at just £5 for a day pass and you can purchase your seat right here.
Alternatively, if you are unable to attend in person, our friends at QTV Sports are live streaming the whole tournament for £14.95, with a day pass available for £5.95.
Netball Europe Open 2016 – Thursday’s Order of Play
9am: USA v Malta
11am: Grenada v Israel
1pm: Ireland v Gibraltar
3pm: USA v Switzerland
5pm: Ireland v Israel
7pm: Grenada v Gibraltar
Follow England Netball on our official twitter account for live updates of the competition throughout the weekend.
