IAPS Netball Festival

Congratulations to our U13A Team who had a fantastic day at the IAPS Netball Festival - coming away with third place in the plate stage.

The following match report by Miss Blee-Storey and Miss Fish gives an overview of the girls' fantastic team effort. Well done!

The A team travelled to Uppingham on Friday 2nd February to compete in the IAPS Netball Festival. The girls had a tough first pool match against Bilton Grange. The girls took time to get going and make connections and the game ended 4-15L. After a team chat and focused warm up the girls took to the court to play against Maidwell Hall. The ball placement and player movement was better and allowed the ball to travel to goal with more ease than the match before. Amelia and Florence shot well securing a win of 8-2 to St Hugh’s. The girls went into their final pool match against Bromsgrove (reigning champions). This was a tough game and pushed the girls defensively and with taking the ball through court to the shooters. The game ended 14-3 to Bromsgrove.

At the end of the pool stages, we had won one and lost two and were heading into the plate group stage.

In the quarter finals, the girls played Swanbourne and had a fantastic game. Charlotte and Annabelle worked hard defensively to keep the shooters further away from the goal and secured several turnovers. In the centre court the girls made front cuts and moved with urgency and commitment to take the ball towards the attacking circle. Between Amelia, Sophie and Florence the ball was handed over to the shooters and some super shots were taken. Throughout this game the girls showed how well they can work together and also the drive and determination to win to move onto the semi-finals. The girls did what they set out and won 18-5.

Next, it was time for the semi-finals. The girls knew this would be a tough match but went in with their heads high and ready to play. Despite a good team effort, Winchester dominated and won 18-6. The final match of the afternoon was the 3rd/4th playoff against St John's. This was a great game with the girls fighting to get third place. Back and forth the ball went goal for goal which was agonising to watch. At the final whistle the match ended nine all and five minutes extra time was given. The girls knew what they needed to do and put their foot down. Between all of them they played and supported each other brilliantly. Throughout the day the shooters had gained confidence and were taking shots from further out and chasing the rebounds. At the final hooter St Hugh’s had taken the win 14-11 and secured third place in the plate group stage.

A brilliant way to finish a tough but enjoyable day of matches. Well done to all the girls!

Photos: The team is photographed with Hannah Joseph, England netball star and Director of Netball at Uppingham. Sophie is presented with third place certificates by Hannah Joseph.