Alex McKean urges on the
1st VII against
Richard HuishT
he 1sts had an amazing
season this year, not only in
terms of games won and
points scored, but also our
incredible team spirit! Having
lost virtually the whole team
at the end of last year it was anybody's guess
as to how we would fare for the coming
season. But with skilful and passionate players
coming up from the 5th and 6th form any
concern soon vanished. The team gelled
almost instantly, giving their all during
matches, even when it seemed like we just
couldn't win, and proved that when we work
together and put what we learnt into practice it
can be done!
There were so many highlights throughout the
season, but I think a special mention should go
to the Millfield tournament match. Despite
losing in the end 15-18, this was one of the
closest netball matches we've ever had against
Millfield. Matching them goal for goal, we were
leading at half-time by 9-8. However Millfield
stepped up a gear in the last few minutes,
eventually winning narrowly by only several
shots. But some great play and decisive
attacking in the middle by Alex McKean and
Katie Vickers, and fantastic defending by Emma
Clyde-Smith showed Millfield this wasn't going
to be an easy match for them!
The most intense and nerve-wracking game has
to be, without a doubt, the Taunton match. In
my eyes this was the best game of the season,
and certainly the game where we played our
best netball, winning by only two goals, 23-21.
It soon became clear that this was going to be
a ping- pong game of 'King's score, Taunton
score, King's score, Taunton score!! But after
half-time Taunton's unique zoning technique
was soon no match for our much-practised
driving ? and dodging sequence. Along with
our determination and spirit to win, the strong
centre pass arrangement from Alex McKean to
Tori Canning and finally into the circle to Elle
Marr was something Taunton just couldn't work
out, and we were finally able to get two up on
them.
In a very tough game against Clifton, where
there was not a lot that divided the two teams,
we were once again victorious, ending Clifton's
unbeaten season. Fighting back, the game was
only won in the last quarter with some
awesome defence and steady hands from
Georgie Thomas and Rebecca Doyle. After all
these fantastic wins it was of course a huge
disappointment to lose so narrowly to Canford.
A match we are always so determined to win,
we just couldn't pull it together at the end.
Leading after the third quarter due to some
beautiful shooting from Tori Canning and with
only ten minutes left to play, victory seemed in
sight. Unfortunately, in the end Canford really
stepped up their game and we let ours slip,
resulting in a frustrating loss. Despite losing
this game, it made us only more determined to
win all our others … which we did!
This has definitely been my most enjoyable
season for the 1sts at King's. A massive thank
you must go to Miss Hobday who does so
much for netball at King's. Watching our every
move, as well as our opponents', she gave
great advice to all of us during quarter times,
and this advice was what gave us the upper
hand in a lot of our games. Hopefully next
season will be just as, if not more successful,
and I wish all the girls in the future team the
best of luck!
Aluredian
66
Netball
1st VII
by Elle Marr