Sports stars straight back to it

U9 Netball vs The Blue Coat School: Mrs Butt’s teams

On Tuesday afternoon, every single girl in Year Four played in a fixture against The Blue Coat School. It was a competitive challenge for the girls, with strong opposition displaying well-drilled moves and passes on the court. Zara’s team made a very strong start, with tight marking and some great shooting leading the game at half-time. Zara, Ariana and Bella worked tirelessly on the attack, making a solid start for the team. In the second half, Blue Coat came back with some excellent shooting, putting us under pressure. Annie and Daisy defended well, trying to stick to their markers for the duration of the game, and Adelyn shone in every position she played on the court, both shooting and defending, and was named Player’s Player by the opposition.

On the other court, Charlotte’s team were up against a very slick Blue Coat team, who had clearly been playing a lot together. We defended well, but the Blue Coat attack was very quick and saw them take the lead at half-time. Maysie and Valerie worked hard in the centre court to keep up with their markers, and Rosie made some lovely interceptions to turn over the ball. The girls showed tremendous resilience and maintained the intensity and effort throughout the game, but were able to take it up a gear in the second half to narrow the gap in the score line. Charlotte led her team with real grit and determination, putting some great shots away and linking nicely with Florrie and Jasmine, who were strong in the attack.

This was a great experience for the girls; despite a narrow defeat they will have learnt a lot, and it was very promising to see them developing together as a unit.

Congratulations to Jasmine, who was nominated Player of the Match by the opposition.

U9 Netball vs The Blue Coat School: Mrs Beech’s team

With five very enthusiastic Year Four young ladies eager to play netball, we welcomed the Blue Coat team to King’s Hawford. Our team put the skills they have learnt to the test and, whilst the rotations themselves were short in length, the enthusiasm was clear to see throughout the game, and the girls tried extremely hard against a very strong opposition.

There was some good movement into space, quick decision making and strong interceptions from all players, who are still learning the rules and restrictions of the Bee Netball game.

Izzy scored a fantastic goal, supported well by Charlotte in centre court play, and both moved well into space. Ruby and Robyn worked hard to defend the D, and Indie worked well in attacking and defensive play.

With more work needed on defending and positioning on court in their coming lessons, the girls will no doubt start to see the benefits in future game play. Indie was awarded Player of the Match, and the attitude and commitment of the Year Fours was delightful, as they showed real resilience throughout.

U10 Netball V Blue Coat: Mrs Beech’s Team

On an afternoon which saw mixed weather conditions, King’s Hawford welcomed Blue Coat School for an U10 Netball match. This match was exciting and fast-paced from start to finish, and exhibited how hard the girls work during games lessons and club to produce an exceptional netball performance.

Both teams demonstrated a super understanding of the rules and were competitive throughout. Marnie showed her strength in both attack and defence, with Pippa P taking some excellent rebounds which kept the goals dropping in, whilst the pairing of Millie B and Olivia G kept the attacking centre court play alive.

Thea made some good tips and was tactical in goal-line passes. It was great to see Elizabeth listen to feedback given, hold her space and read the game so well. Iza worked solidly in all rotations and showed how versatile she is. Lyra made some lovely interceptions and is working hard to develop her game play. It was a brilliant match to watch; many thanks for the support from family and friends.

Player of the Match was awarded to Marnie P.

Player report by Thea E

On Monday afternoon, the Hawford A team put in an incredible effort against the Blue Coat girls. Rotating every four minutes, all eight girls got a chance to play and build their team work.

It was a really close match, with lots of competitive spirit. In the Hawford team, Marnie really impressed everyone with her fantastic ability to find space and to make strong landings. She made some strong passes which helped Pippa and Millie score. She also got a few herself and was named as Player of the Match. Lyra was excellent moving quickly in defence, supported by Elizabeth who did some good marking and interceptions. Thea and Olivia worked well in defence, getting the ball to the centre, where Iza showed how fast she is and made good passes. Overall the girls demonstrated that their teamwork is developing nicely.

U11 Netball v Blue Coat School

On Wednesday, all the U11 girls travelled up to Birmingham to play against The Blue Coat School. It was a high energy journey in the minibus, but Miss Lake and Mrs Butt were delighted to find that the energy levels continued on to the courts for the netball games themselves.

Jetta travelled with the team but was unfortunately unable to play due to a finger injury; she continued to be a support for the girls from the side-line. Ava W was also absent, so Marnie and Millie from Year Five were pulled in to replace them.

The Blue Coat Team came out hard from the very first whistle, and the girls knew that this was going to be a good test leading them into IAPS next week. The game was played with a high level of intensity and was hugely competitive, seeing the girls challenged at every ball. Holly dominated in every area of the court and led her team as Captain with great work rate and determination. Marnie and Harriet made some exceptional interceptions and took advantage of possession on the attack, getting the ball into the circle early at every opportunity. Hattie showed some great movement in the shooting circle and, along with Millie, managed to get some good shots away. Annabel and Robyn worked hard to stay with their markers and didn’t give up on a tight defence, minimising the attack from Blue Coat.

The girls’ work rate was exceptional, something that Mrs Butt holds very highly. Their efforts led them to a very narrow defeat but, despite this, the girls should be very proud of their performance and take a huge amount of confidence going in to the IAPS competition next Thursday.

Player of the Match was Hattie D, as nominated by the opposition, for a fantastic all round performance.