Exeter College Netball Academy travelled to Essex for U19 National School Netball Final this weekend. Included 19 teams split over 2 pools.

Exeter had been drawn in a very strong pool and knew they were in for a tough day ahead. Their first game was against The Grammar School at Leeds. Exeter started strong, holding each centre pass but in the second half mistakes were made and they dropped their lead, to draw this game 9-9. After a strong team talk, Exeter were ready to take on their next opposition, Hulme Grammar. With consistent shooting in this game and effective defence, Exeter battled hard and won this game 8-5. The next match was against Heaton Technology College.

With the weather worsening to hail stone conditions, Exeter stepped up their game. With fantastic defence and consistent interceptions, Exeters lead at half time was 8-2. This enabled the substitutions to be played, and Exeter continued to dominate the game resulting in a win of 13 – 3! Exeters forth match was against Aylesbury High school.

After missing 50% of our shots in the first half, Exeter trailed 3-6 going into the second half. With the wind becoming exceptionally strong during this game, it made our shooting very difficult, but with Aylesbury’s consistent defence, they took a win from us at 13-8. The next match was against Bromsgrove School. Again an extremely tough match and again the weather making playing conditions exceptionally difficult.

Struggling around the post again, resulted in a further loss of 8-5. After being in the warm to thaw out over 'lunch' and a hot chocolate, Exeter were refuelled and ready to attack the afternoon ahead. With a change of attack and defence in the next game to Berkamstead School, this gave Exeter a fresh burst of enthusiasm. Exeter went on to win this game 9-4! Exeter pushed on through the afternoon with their heads up and positive in every game resulting in further wins against Oakham School 12-7 and Lady Eleanor Holles School 6-5. This put Exeter in 4th place in their `pool`. Which meant that they didn’t qualify for the semi finals.

However with knowing that they only lost to the two teams that eventually went on to be in the final, they had done themselves proud. Coach Sam White said, “I am extremely proud of all the girls. To play like they did, in these horrendous conditions was amazing! The players were outstanding both on and off court and to be placed 7th in the country is a fantastic result. The talent within these schools and colleges was exceptional and our players shone too! This is the end of a very successful year for Exeter College Netball Academy. The girls should be very proud of themselves.”

Players;
Lizzie Southwood (Captain) Zoe Ash (Vice Captain),Yasmin Hodge-England, Kate Gardiner, Emily Steer, Kerry Angila, Abigail Palmer, Molly Browne, Sophie Shire, Paige Mitchell, Katie Rickard.

Scorer – Jordan Levers