St Benedict's U18 Netball Girls Celebrate First Trophy

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 16th of December 2011

St Benedict's U18 Netball team have had an exceptional month, claiming their first trophy by winning the Emanuel tournament, and also qualifying for the Middlesex County Finals.

The Middlesex tournament was played on Saturday 12th November at Lady Eleanor Holles School, Hampton. The Ealing girls won four matches and lost three, coming fourth behind Middlesex's top teams and qualifying for the county finals, which will take place in March next year. This is the second year in a row Saints have qualified in a tournament dominated by all girls' schools. Chevas Clarke was selected as Player of the Tournament.

Following this success, two weeks later hopes were high for the Emanuel tournament. A flying start against Harrodian saw Benedict's playing well and winning 20-7. A tougher match followed against the hosts, Emanuel. However, Saints managed to up their game and ran out comfortable winners by 15-8. The final match of the tournament was against Ibstock. Having watched the opposing players in previous matches the Ealing girls knew what they had to do to win. Putting this into practice and, after successful defensive passes, good ball handling skills and a great effort from attack, they secured a resounding 11-2 victory. Elle Valentine excelled in all the games and was named Player of the Tournament.

Under the excellent coaching of Holly Collison, everyone has put in a massive effort to ensure this team fulfils itspotential, the more so, since training time has been restricted this term due to hockey commitments. Next term looks very promising for the girls under the leadership of captain Kathryn Grahame.