SQUIRES Netball Tournament returned last weekend for a second edition, with Spitfires and We Are Family taking the cup and plate respectively.

Despite rounds one and two being played in torrential rain and hail - which led to a team of broom sweepers moving water off one court just to keep the play going - the 21 entrants stuck with it and were rewarded by some afternoon sunshine.

Spitfires, a Brize Norton-based team who renamed themselves for the tournament in honour of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, were crowned champions of the 2014 Squires Cup after defeating the 2013 winners Scared Hitless 8-6 in a closely contested final.

We Are Family won the plate section, coming out on top in the other final against Raychem Rockets, 7-6 the margin of victory.

Midway through the day spectators were given an impressive display of high standard netball in an exhibition match between the England Men and Hucclecote, a Premier Division ladies team from Gloucestershire. The game was played with a positive competitive spirit and overseen by guest international netball umpire Gary Burgess.

At the final whistle the men ended up being the victors, 46-41

Hucclecote: Sam Perry, Katharine Chadwick, Beth Webb, Kerry Walsh, Sarah Adams, Paige Reed, Michelle Dowle, Gemma Gray, Katie Noonan (coach) and Sue Wainwright (team manager).

England Men: Iain Root, Colin Hill, Colin Gordon, Nigel Sykes, Brian Williams, Damien Williams, Jamie Holden, Chris Green and Ian Fuller.

All in all it is estimated nearly £3,000 was raised for the Maisie Gibbins Star Tribute Fund and the club expressed their thanks to the sponsors who helped make the event happen – TE Connectivity, Wilson Tool and Fotspor.

The fund was set up to raise £22,000 to buy portable life support equipment to help transport critically ill children throughout the South West to the specialist unit at Bristol Children's Hospital.

Those who want to know more about the charity or donate can find details at: www.justgiving.com/lynn-marie-tomlin. Alternatively, the next Maisie Gibbins fundraising event is a Charity Tea Dance featuring the Nathan Jones All Stars Big Band.

This is due to be held at Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall on June 29, starting at 2:30pm.

Tickets are £6 and are available on the door.