IAPS U11 National Netball Final – Bowl Winners!

U11 IAPS National Netball Finals Wednesday 18th March 2025

What a beautiful day down in Dorsett at Bryanston School for the IAPS National Finals. Mrs Clark and Miss Jordan arrived nice an early and eagerly anticipated the arrival of the 7 girls who had stayed over the previous night. After some excellent warm-ups, the girls were in their best frame of mind to tackle what was going to be their toughest set of matches they have faced so far.

Our first match did not disappointment. Against St Swithun’s, the ball was end to end and at half time the score was 4-2 to KSA. After the changes at half time, it continued in the same vein but St Swithun’s managed to turn a couple of balls, resulting in a 8-8 draw!

The second was probably even more exciting! Against North London Collegiate, by half time we were 0-5 down. After a quick team talk that consisted of you have 6 minutes, that’s 1 goal a minute and 1 to spare. They listened, reacted and did it 5-5 draw!

The third match was one where we could have won. Again the ball was end to end, but a couple of dropped balls, meant Manor Lodge capitalised and scored meaning we lost 6-8.

Our final match was against the team who topped our group, Orchard House. They were a lovely team and we fought hard against them, but they played better on the day. Final score was 2-11 to Orchard house.

Coming 5th in our group, meant we were through to the Bowl competition in the afternoon. After a spot of lunch on the banks of Bryanston and a chat about ‘merch’, we were raring to go to. Miss Jordan said she wanted to return to school with some ‘bling’! In the afternoon session, the girls did not disappoint, our first match was against Hurlingham. And although nail biting for the many spectators, was comfortably won 11-3. We were through to the finals for the Bowl! One more, game girls, you can do this!

The final was against Berkhampstead, a school we have played previously at cricket but never netball. The girls knew, 1 more match and they would win gold. This was very firmly set in their heads. Easy passes, go for every interception, arms up to defend, breathe and shoot! We were ahead 6-2 at half time, so it looked like KSA would continue and go on to win. However, Berkhampstead were not giving up, the fought back and brough the score to 6-4 to KSA. Luckily our girls dug in for the last few minutes and managed to pop another 2 through the net, to win 8-4 and the Bowl competition.

To the players – Well done! We are all so very proud of you. Thank you so much for putting your all into every match. Thank you to your parents and guardians for their unwavering support of you and us as a school. It was wonderful to hear the Year 6 girls chatting throughout the day about how you were getting on, they were so supportive and proud of your success. The future of netball at King’s St Alban’s is looking brighter than ever!