Memorial match raises charity cash
SHE spent her life getting people involved in sport, so PE teacher Hilary Floyd-Ellis would be thrilled at the success of an annual netball tournament held in her memory.
Now in its fourth year, the event at Bridgend Tennis Club saw 14 mixed-sex teams battle it out on the court in front of hundreds of spectators.
It also raised £2,500 for Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff to add to the thousands raised in previous years.
Hilary was 53 when she passed away in January 2011 following a long battle with cancer.
“Mum was a sports teacher at Ogmore Comprehensive School for over 30 years,” said daughter Victoria Floyd-Ellis, who helps to organise the annual tournament.
“She first represented Wales in 1973 in the under-21 netball squad, then played and coached at a number of teams around the county.
“A lot of the players in the tournament on Saturday, August 6, either played with mum or were taught by her.”
Victoria said: “We are so grateful to everyone who supported the day: the tennis club for hosting, Tesco for providing barbecue supplies, Barclays for matching £1,000 of the funds and, of course, everyone who took part or came to support.”
This year, the Maesteg Mambas were the champions after beating Bridgend Tennis Club in extra time of the final, which was a very closely contested match.
Victoria said the tennis club team had ex-Commonwealth netball player Dawn Donovan-Davies in attack, who rarely missed a goal.
But the Maesteg defence, including Ospreys lock Lloyd Peers, and his talented teammates proved to be too strong as the match went into extra time.
“Although it is a fun tournament, the standard of netball and interest in the day seems to be improving every year,” said Victoria.
“The most competitive team was my uncle’s team, Kev’s Kings, which included Kevin Ellis and his ex-Wales rugby team mates John Devereux, Allan Bateman and Nathan Strong, Carle Ellis and Stuart FloydEllis.
“Mum was always one to get people involved in all types of sport and the fact she is still doing that now she’s not with us proves her character.”