BAHRAIN Netball teams concluded a five-day training camp with top talent and performance coaches yesterday in preparation for the upcoming Riffa Views Inter-Gulf Netball Championships, to be held at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club in March.

Veteran England Netball coaches Gilly Salter and Sue Wainwright travelled to Bahrain to undertake five intensive coaching sessions with the four teams selected to represent the kingdom at the annual tournament.

Over 40 players participated in the training, which concentrated on ball skills, agility, tactics and game play.

The Bahrain 'A' team, who placed fifth at last year's championships, anticipate improving on that position at this year's event, following six months of intensive training as a core unit.

"The last five days have been really hard work but worth every second," said team captain Mel Goosen. "Gilly and Sue give so much to our players, we've really enjoyed it and have a learned a lot in a short time."

The Bahrain Netball League will enter five teams in the two-day competition, which is expected to attract up to 22 ladies' teams and five men's teams from the Gulf.

Salter and Wainwright both coach the award-winning Hucclecote Netball Club in Gloucestershire. "We were delighted to be invited back to coach the Bahrain netball squads," said Salter. "Since our last visit, all players have progressed hugely and the strength and depth within Bahrain is even stronger now than it was previously."

Added Wainwright: "As always, everyone was highly motivated, enthusiastic and keen to learn all they could. We now look forward to the squads consolidating what they have learned and look forward to coming back to coach them in March just prior to the tournament." For information on the Riffa Views Inter-Gulf Netball Championships, call Michaela Milne on 36600308 or visit intergulfnetball.com.