Netball News
One of our key team sports has got off to a great start this year with ‘superleague’ selection for a number of individuals and some strong team wins – including qualification for the Middlesex County Finals.
Last weekend, our U16 and U19 teams played in the preliminary round of the Middlesex County competition – both teams played some exceptional netball. The U19 team fought hard throughout the day and, despite missing two key players, won convincingly against Henrietta Barnett and Francis Holland. Their best play, however was against NHEHS and Highgate, where the girls stepped up and played with speed, power and determination, losing narrowly to both. Well done to player of the tournament, Mia. The U16 team had a fantastic day, playing some of their best ever netball. With convincing wins against LEH, Henrietta Barnett, St Paul’s and City, the girls qualified for the finals in March! Players of the day were Esme in defence and Noa in centre court. Well done to the whole team.
We have also entered the Smile Independent Schools Netball Cup for the first time – a national netball knock-out competition. The U13A team were the first team to play, facing Bancroft’s at home – a fantastic match with some amazing netball; a strong 28 – 16 win has taken them through to Round 2. We look forward to watching their progress; our U15 and U19 teams will also be in action over the next few weeks. The U19B team have kicked off already with a convincing win in this week’s Highgate Tournament, defeating all their opponents by impressive margins.
So far this season, six of our individual netballers have been scouted, gaining places at Superleague Hubs. Being selected provides a fantastic opportunity for the girls: training with players from across London and the South East, they will receive excellent coaching from talented coaches within the Superleague set up, supporting them in the development of their performance and play. Well done to Rosie in Year 8 (Mini Mavericks); Florence in Year 10 (Benecos Mavericks); Esme and Liana in Year 11 (London Pulse) and Julia and Noa in Year 11 (Benecos Mavericks). Noa, South Hampstead’s current Sportswoman of the Year, also represented the GB Netball squad over the summer at the Maccabi Youth Games in Israel, where the team won the Silver Medal – she was also awarded Manager’s Player of the Tournament.
An ethos of inclusive excellence pervades all our sports at South Hampstead. As well as developing our elite squads and individual performers, we focus on providing sporting opportunities for all. In netball, for example, we offer A to E teams as well as early morning clubs open to everyone, giving all girls the opportunity to play competitively and enjoy the game.