Initial Rounds:
V Bromsgrove B, Won 8 - 0
V Terra Nova, Won 3 - 2
V Foremarke A, Lost 6 - 0
V Westbourne, Won 3 - 0
U12a were runners up of their group
Semi-Final: V S. Anselm's U13a, winners of the other group, Lost 4 - 5
The U12a team questioned me as to why I had entered them in this tournament, it being an U13 one; but there was no doubt in my mind that these girls could definitely hold their own, as they have done so so far in training when playing against the under 13a team. I knew it would provide vital tournament experience for them too, prior to the U12 IAPS Regional Tournament.
After a super warm up the girls got off to a fabulous start, totally outplaying Bromsgrove in their first game of the afternoon. The passing was strong and accurate, marking tight and shooting spot on. They walked off the court 8 - 0 victors and it was game on. The girls had to go straight into another game and the back to back matches meant their play in this second game was not quite so slick. A hanging down cricket net cost us two goals, but we still finished this game 3 - 2 up. The icy outside court meant all of the tournament was relocated into the sports hall, so the ten minute matches were cut down to quick five minute games. The girls allowed themselves to be intimidated by Foremarke A and did not come forwards for the ball, vital if your opponent is taller then you. In the final initial round game they faced a tall U13 Westbourne team. The girls knew they had to win this game to go through to the semi finals. They once again started the game strongly and played some super netball to dominate it and clinch their place through to the next round.
Our next opposition was our very own under 13a team, who had won their group. Full credit to the under 12as, who once again went off like a rocket. We knew if we were to satnd a chance we had to be fast on court and pass the ball quickly. It worked exceptionally well, the U12as took the lead with the first goal, then scored a 2nd. The u13a wondered what had hit them and the Foremarke umpire questioned which team were the As, thinking she had mixed the teams up. The u13a dug in and came back fighting, to equalise, then go 2 - 4 up. We responded playing out of our skins to equalise 4 - 4 apiece! The under 13a had the next centre and converted it to go 4 - 5 up, but we were determined to peg it back. Clare T came out for the centre and despite being sandwiched between Annie GP and Georgy H kept her head and took the ball cleanly. Meanwhile Georgy H and Annie GP collided with Georgy falling to the ground. The u12as played on and got the ball into the D ready to shoot. The whistle blew, as a shaken Georgy came off and Arabella A came on. The Foremarke umpire took the ball back to the middle third and once again the determined under 12as passed it slickly into the shooters. Clare put her arms up to shoot, in order to grab a 5th goal for her team, but full time was blown, depriving us of a phenomenal Golden Goal moment!
What a fantastic afternoon of netball, well played Dreamteamers, I am so proud of you all! Shooter Emily H played superbly, making the D her own and assisting with the flow of the ball in the attacking third. Clare T also shot brilliantly and consistently and was out of this world in the final game, a girl on a mission, it was super to see her competing so impressively against a very strong GD. Poppy S has achieved so much, it is hard at times to remember that this position is still very new to her, she has adapted so smoothly and has the right skill, mentality and fitness for centre. Elfie CE and Grace F are both new to the squad and have already done so well, adapting to playing with a new team; Elfie's spatial awareness and attacking play are fabulous, whilst Grace has really grown in game confidence. Amelia provided some super passes in the mid third to asist with its path down the court, so often proving to be in the right place at the right time. Georgia R made some super interceptions, continually backed the attacking players up and took rebound after rebound under the post. I would have to agree with the u13a girls on this occasion though, and my player of the tournament goes to Imo C, who was out of this world today. Often she faced a GS much taller than herself, but had them nailed throughout the game. She took interception after interception to turn possession of the ball around and if she didn't catch it cleanly at least got a touch to it, to clear it away from her opposition's hands. Awesome stuff Imo!
The Foremarke staff, parents and our parents all said the semi final game was very much the game of the tournament and I would have to wholeheartedly agree! What a fantastic achievement for both of our teams to reach this stage and for both to put on such a dazzling, dynamic display! Thank you to all of our parents for filling the viewing gallery, even the Foremarke Headmaster commented on how many of you there were, well done and thank you for adding so positively to the atmosphere of the afternoon. We are in action again this Wednesday at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre and look forward to another super performance by the girls. Thank you to Mrs Taylor for making sure the girls all made it in time for their night out at the cinema.
Posted on
Sat, January 14, 2012
by DLB