SUNDAY may have been Mother’s Day, but in Peebles at least, many mothers were celebrating their special day on the netball court, having returned to play over recent years.

Sunday saw the climax to months of matches in the Border Adult Netball League, with the Division 1 and 2 winners still undecided until the final two matches of 96.

Division 1 final brought together two previous winners of the title, the reigning champions, Stobo sponsored Dragons, against the Peebles High senior school team, and recent quarter-finalists in the Scottish Schools’ Gold Cup.

The match was eagerly awaited as involving the best of the senior players in Peebles Netball junior club against an adult team, both having produced the winning goods previously.

In the event, the Dragons, captained by Kate Thomson, were the stronger of the teams, particularly across mid-court, having, intriguingly introduced two new mid-court players to their team for the final match.

The senior school team, captained by Bryony Patterson, with their regular squad, produced their best performance to date, and delighted spectators with a thrilling and skilful display from a determined young team.

Ace Dragon shooter Caroline Connaghan once again provided some breath-taking catches, with her high level of accuracy turning fast attacks into goals.

A solid team effort from the seniors marked their swansong as a squad, as older members Amy McTeir and Adele Tait head off to university following seven years playing for Peebles Netball.

In the end the Stobo Dragons triumphed by 59 points to 22.

The Division 2 title was also anticipated with relish, Peebles supporters turning out in full to do their bit to help hold onto the Division 2 silverware in their home town.

However, Gala Tempest, led by Marion Romeril, had improved with every game throughout the league and were a clear threat to Peebles team Storm, captained by Sarah Wallace.

Going into the finals, the teams were equal on points, with only two goals separating them in the table.

The match was evenly balanced from the start, with breaks and errors in equal measure from both nervous squads.

Into the second half it became clear that Gala Tempest was gaining increasing composure, forcing Storm errors and capitalising on these.

Strong shooting as ever from Gala Tempest finally sealed the match with a delighted squad celebrating a well-deserved victory and a first-time Division title.

The final result was Gala Tempest 21, Peebles Storm 14.

The adult league was introduced three years ago, and was funded by the Lottery. Twelve teams played in the league this season.

Sponsors of teams and kit are: Stobo Castle, PH2O Plumbing, Rogersons, Scotts Garage, Tempest Brewery, and Clubsport Tweeddale.