St Edward's Chronicle Summer 2018

35 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Netball By Will Griffiths

The combination of prolonged and recurrent wintry conditions with bouts of illness in the School reducing playing numbers would, you might think, give rise to a difficult season. The dedication of the players throughout the Club, however, ensured that was not to be the case. The 1st VII showed the benefits of the 2017 season, in which many of the younger players were called upon on a regular basis. The extra experience certainly told this year with the 1st squad really leading the Netball Club by example, delivering eight wins and a draw from their 11 games. This included winning a triangle tournament against Stowe and Bloxham on the final weekend and an impressive return of 299 goals scored. The work ethic, determination and skill of Captain and Vice-Captain Ashlyn Dickinson and Nellie Bates paved the way, but it was undoubtedly a whole team triumph this season. And, with a strong contingent of Lower Sixth and Fifth Form coming through, Spring Term 2019 could have still more to offer. The 2nd VII were able to go one better, winning nine matches this year, with Ella Royden a consistent and noteworthy performer. There were some exemplary performances and dominant wins, including some by more than 20 goal margins over Bloxham, Malvern and Stowe. The best victory was perhaps to be found on the courts of Rugby, where the girls showed great tenacity and competitiveness to dig out a first victory for a senior side away to Rugby in some time, winning 18-13. The U16A VII were a real success story this year. In spite of their perseverance and togetherness, they had picked up just one win in the prior two years. This year was different though, with five matches won, including a runaway 36-6 triumph over Bloxham in the last game of the season. Captain Caris Baker, playing as Goal Defence, was at the heart of the turnaround, doing a tremendous job of keeping the team motivated throughout the term. Notable performances for the U15A came against Cherwell and Oxford High where the team came together and were able to really apply themselves, putting into play all the things they had worked on in practice. Freya Burdon was outstanding, commanding

Rose Fawcett

the centre court alongside her Wing Attack partner, Sasha Withers Green. Lily Helling was a rock in defence, whilst her sister, Daisy, led the team superbly. In their first Netball season at Teddies, the U14s showed that there is much to look forward to for the Club in the seasons ahead. The U14A, playing under the guidance of Ms Allen and Ms Dalgleish, showed they are already a force to be reckoned with, completing the season with six wins and just two losses. Despite some big wins, it was their team spirit and character in the tight game against Bradfield that particularly impressed. The U14B and U14C VIIs both picked up three wins this season. Ella McBrien’s influence, in both defence and quick acting passing from the back to set up attacks, was pivotal for the U14B, especially in the

win over Dean Close. The U14C included in the mix a barnstorming performance against Malvern, running out 38-2 victors. In the House matches, the immense efforts of the girls both on the pitch and supporting on the sidelines deserve much credit. The tournaments were won by Corfe in the juniors and Jubilee in the seniors, but there were many tight games across the piece. The Club can be proud of an accomplished season, concluding with more than 50% of games won after a busy calendar featuring over 100 fixtures, whilst the 1st, 2nd and U14A VIIs came agonisingly close to unbeaten seasons. Special mention should also be given to 1st VII Captain, Ashlyn Dickinson, who trialled for the Wasps Superleague squad through their Netball Academy, and was selected for a number of games.