WHAT do you do with a group of women who do not want to play top-flight netball and attend training sessions?

You set up a team especially for them and this is exactly what Home James netball did and they formed Home James SS three years ago.

The team started in Division 5 and have made their way up to Division 3.

They are a force, but only on a good day when everyone is playing well and possibly the opposition is not quite playing their best.

Recently they faced Chandlers Ford in a very close and fiercely-contested game.

Umpires Grace Symonds and Helen Mitchell definitely had their work cut out to ensure that the game flowed.

The heat did not help the players and Home James did make several changes during the breaks, which helped them secure a lead at half-time.

All of the shooters for both teams had obviously eaten accuracy tablets, but Chandlers Ford scored in the dying seconds to secure a 55-54 victory.

This means that Chandlers Ford stay top of the division but Home James look like pressing them for the whole campaign.

As had been stated before in this column, netball is for women of all ages and abilities and this game was no exception.

Home James' average age against Chandlers Ford was 46, and in netball experience is everything.

LET'S MEET THE TEAM;

Goal Shooter: Jane Vine

Works as a catering manager at Southern Car Auctions. Has been playing for 36 years and has just become a grandmother to Freddie.

Goal Attack: Ann Pollington

Fit, energetic and versatile, a welcome addition to the squad two years ago.

Wing Attack: Jacqui Payne

Assistant manager for a car rental company. Novice of the team - has only been playing for two seasons.

Centre: Jill Tampier

Has played netball for 24 years, and enjoys being part of a team and keeping fit. Works as a practise manager in a doctors' surgery.

Wing Defence: Vicky Trumper.

Shipping Clerk during the day and baby of the team during the weekend. Has been playing netball for 13 years.

Goal Defence: Bev Trueick

Bev took on the role of captain for the ever-changing squad during the summer and uses her basketball and volleyball skills to great effect. Husband Simon is always great support on the sideline and is appreciated by the whole team.

Goal Keeper: Mandy Trumper

Well, what can you say about Mandy - she has just won a club award for her attitude, commitment and support to the team 'no matter what'.

Daughters Amy and Vicky play for Home James.

When Mandy returned to netball after a break she had to borrow a pair of her husband's underpants, as she had no netball knickers!

Player/coach: Sue Sivier

Aged 56, she started playing netball at school and has played at all levels from county to England Under-21.

Is also a C award umpire and first aider and in her spare time is the team's publicity officer.

Sue has two daughters: Claire, who would rather walk her dogs than play netball, and Natasha, who is back playing for Home James after the birth of daughter Zoe.

SEND YOUR NETBALL NEWS TO CLARE EGERTON USING THE E-MAIL LINK ABOVE.