Netball
The netball season got off to its usual quick start and with only Sophie Mander and Amy Preston remaining from last year’s 1st VII we were keen to take a look at the new Lower Sixth intake. Training began, the squads were selected and things seemed to be working quite well.
At the Solihull U19 tournament we played some good netball, winning our section of the draw after only conceding two goals. A 12-0 win over Coleshill School in the semi-finals sent us through to the final where we knew more would be needed if we were to beat Solihull Sixth Form College. The match was close up to half time, but we failed to maintain our impetus, lost 9-3 and ended up runners-up again.
This then enabled us to go to the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire tournament. The competition was very hard and too many unforced errors often allowed opposition teams to take advantage. However, effortless defending by Sophie Doyle and Caroline Hartley was noted here and valued throughout the season, especially as Elizabeth Hall was lost to injury early on.
Although the team was committed and keen, we lacked consistency and momentum. Injury and absenteeism also took their toll, as too often we were unable to select our strongest sides.The team did however play extremely well in the friendly matches against Kings High, Warwick and Edgbaston High School.The centre court players, Sophie Mander, Emma Coutts
worked tirelessly, supplying good balls in for shooters Fiona Hurt and Nicola Porter-Smith to score.
I was particularly proud to captain the team in the friendly against Bloxham. We fought amazingly hard to be on level terms at half time when the match took a turn for the worse. The attitude and behaviour of the opposition deteriorated. continued to play our way with devotion, loyalty and determination (more like the spirit I had been searching for).
The team have had a tough year. Defeats were hard to swallow but the whole squad should be proud with the way in which they held their heads high and continued to strive for that elusive post Christmas win. Hannah Mansfield who came up to the 1st VII lateon in the season acquitted herself admirably.
The 2nd VII captained by Jessica Walton had a similar season with too many close encounters going the opposition’s way. Lucy Waring proved her ability in the shooting circle, Natasha Santana-Vaz, Anaeka Sodha , Lisa Chapman and Jessica Walton worked hard in the centre court and the late find of Fiona Fairlie and the defensive combination of Anna Mulira and Emma Vincent look promising for next year.
On behalf of the first and second team netball squads I would like to thank Mrs Belcher and Denise Ross for their efforts in coaching and umpiring us through this tough but enjoyable season. I wish next year’s teams every success.
Amy Preston