Positive start to Netball season at County Netball Tournament

The U14 and U16 netball squads put on fantastic performances at the County Tournaments this week, showcasing their talent, resilience and team spirit. Despite limited preparation time, the players demonstrated determination and skill throughout the event, leaving coaches and supporters excited for the season ahead.

U14A Squad

The U14A netball squad had a standout day at the tournament, despite having just been selected the previous week. Their natural talent and determination came through, as they opened with two strong victories—12-2 and 8-4. The match against Ellesmere proved to be more challenging, with the team trailing 4-1 at halftime. However, they rallied, showcasing great attacking play to secure a hard-fought 7-7 draw.

Further victories against Thomas Telford and Newport Girls High, with dominant scores of 21-0 and 14-2 respectively, kept spirits high as they prepared for their toughest match of the day against Wrekin College. Despite a valiant effort, they narrowly lost 8-6. A win in the final match against Shrewsbury High was needed to qualify for the regional tournament, but a narrow one-goal defeat left them just short of qualification.

Overall, it was an excellent day for the U14A team, with standout performances from Helena F (G, III), who controlled the centre court with confidence, and Boe G (MSH, III), who excelled in Goal Defence.

U14B Squad

The U14B squad also had a positive experience at the County Plate tournament. With eight matches ahead of them, the players looked forward to building team chemistry for the upcoming netball season. Despite two early defeats, the squad remained upbeat and resilient, showing promise with plenty of possession.

A hard-fought win against Meole Brace lifted spirits, and two more victories followed, with close losses rounding out the day. Several player combinations were tested, and standout performances included Freya P (EDH, III), who anchored the centre court with tireless effort, and Georgia P (MSH, III), who was relentless in attack. Jolan P (MSH, III), as captain, was an excellent ambassador for the school. The squad is looking forward to resuming training and matches in January.

U16 Squad

The U16 netball team also put in an impressive performance at the County Tournament, having only had two training sessions before the event. They comfortably won their opening match and drew their second against a strong Newport High side. As the tournament progressed, the team gained momentum, securing a well-deserved win against Abraham Derby.

A narrow one-goal loss to the Grove School was a setback, but the girls regrouped and played some of their best netball in a tight match against Wrekin, eventually losing by just two goals. The day ended on a high note with a strong performance against Thomas Telford, leaving the team excited for the upcoming term.

Well done to all the players involved—an exciting season of netball awaits!

Sophie Jones

Head of Netball