A convincing win for Scotland has marked the return of senior international netball to Perth for the first time in more than three decades.
The prestigious games were held this weekend at Perth College’s recently launched £6 million Academy of Sport and Wellbeing.
It began on Saturday with the first part of a two match test series against Samoa, in front of an enthusiastic, sell-out crowd. The final score on Saturday was 56-39 to Scotland.
The teams returned for a second clash on Sunday afternoon, with Scotland winning 63-36.
The college struck an agreement with Netball Scotland to host the games at the new base, which was formally opened in March.
The test matches will not only be part of the preparation for the Scottish Thistles’ national team towards the Commonwealth Games — to be held in the Gold Coast in April 2018 — they also provide important match practice for the European World Cup Qualifiers, which will also be held at the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing in January.
Gareth McKenna, commercial manager at the new academy, said: “We are delighted to have secured these two major international netball events.
“We are working with many national governing bodies to build sustainable partnerships and with Netball Scotland we are working with a modern, forward thinking and dynamic body. We are delighted and honoured to bring international senior netball to Perth for first time in 30 years”
The new complex at Perth College offers students a variety of training rooms with top-of-the-range equipment, as well as a gym hall the size of six badminton courts.
The academy was designed with input from a range of national sporting groups.
College bosses said they hope to harness the legacy of last year’s Olympics and attract Scottish teams preparing for Tokyo 2020.
There has already been interest from several national organisations hoping to use the centre for training.
