Formed 10 years , Surrey based Gems Netball Club celebrated by finishing the 08-09 season with promotion to the London and South East Regional League Division 1.

This is a great result, showing excellent consistency and dedication throughout the season, they thoroughly deserved their promotion.

They have also done well in the London Polytechnic League, in their first season in Division One.

Despite finding themselves playing against some of the top players in the country who also play in the Super League, Gems responded well to the challenge and have cemented their position by finishing in a creditable fourth position.

Helping the club to achieve their success was an unexpected invite from Brunel Hurricanes; the regions super league team, to have some match practice, Gems valuable experience against these top players which included England defender Sonia Mkoloma.

Gems also have a squad playing in the top division’s local Surrey and Kingston leagues and success was achieved here by winning the Kingston Knock Out Cup competition.

Another honour was bestowed on the club when their coach Joan Chipperfield was awarded the inaugural Senior Coach of the Year award at the Surrey County Netball Association AGM.

Joan who was very proud to receive this award has coached Gems since the club was formed, she says she must give credit to the whole club for their attitude and dedication to training and the efforts all the players put in on a match day as this helped her win this award.

Gems need to recruit some new players to help them maintain their high standard of success next season. For details visit gemsnetball.co.uk