On Thursday 28 February the U11 A Netball team travelled to Hurstpierpoint to compete in the IAPS competition. The team consisted of E Berbner, I Gemmell, E Horne, C Moore, X Radloff, T Schultheiss, L Taylor, J Thompson, E Van Mook with L Rexstrew as the Captain. After a beautiful start to the week weather wise the temperature dropped dramatically, and the rain and wind that we are used to at this time of year returned with a vengeance. This meant that the girls had to play in incredibly wet and slippery conditions, and did very well to maintain control of the ball.
Not knowing the competition very well it was unsure of how the girls would fair, but they got off to a great start in their first pool match against Burgess Hill with a 3-1 win. This winning streak continued throughout the group matches with the following results:
Danes Hill 3 – 1 Handcross Park
Danes Hill 3 – 0 St Christopher’s
Danes Hill 2 – 1 Royal Russell
Danes Hill 3 – 0 Ardingly
With only two matches in their pool left the girls were in a fantastic position and played exceptionally well against some very strong sides. Brighton and Hove put up a good fight and this was their closest match so far. The play was quite even and the girls secured a one point lead but Brighton were able to scrape it back in the final few minutes resulting in a 3-3 draw. The girls returned to their winning streak for the final match against Ryde finishing with the following result:
Danes Hill 3 – 1 Ryde
This meant that the girls came top of their group and were through to the quarter finals. Pembridge was their opponent in this match and it was very tight. Both teams played very well with quite a few chances at goal from both ends. Unfortunately, the girls lost out with a 2-1 defeat which meant they were then out of the tournament.
The girls should be commended on the consistency of the play and how well they were able to control the ball and their passing considering the weather – especially considering they endured downpours at various stages in their games. Everyone played well, and the support from the girls in every position enabled them to secure so many wins. The girls should be very proud of their performance – well done to everyone that played!
