The 2nds had good wins against Queen's and Colyton, but though
there were many talented individuals in the team, there was a
sense that results didn't reflect their true potential. The 3rds was
made up of almost all 6.2 girls, led by Emily Albery: each game was
consequently played in an organised, dramatic and exciting way.
Mixed success, but every game was fantastic fun. Thanks should
go to Mrs Ridley for leading her team so well. The 4ths won
against Blundell's, Queen's and Clifton, but the most memorable
match was the almost trumpet match again Millfeild. They may
have lost 19-22, but it was played with true Pelican spirit. Katy
Hanscomb as captain and Imogen Segrave as manager held the
standard of dedication and tenacity so high that all the other
girls followed. The first quarter 3-8 to them, King's were raring
to go: "determination with a time limit." The second quarter over
and the girls were restless, 6-11 to them and half way. With true
South African gusto from Catlin Everitt, after the third quarter
the score was 13-13, but Millfield lifted their game and though
the girls where immensely proud of their play, a win would have
tasted sweeter.
The U15As showed amazing progression this year. They were not
very successful last season and then won all but two games this
season. They showed grit in matches, listening well to coaching
tips, and trained hard as a squad. They had particularly good
wins against Blundell's, Wellington, Exeter, Taunton and Clifton
and drew against Queen's. The U15Bs had good wins over
Taunton, Blundell's, Exeter and Clifton. In the Clifton game they
were down 3-5 in the first quarter; King's upped their game and
held Clifton in the second quarter and were able to take
the lead in the third, which led to the win. It was a good
team effort, with the U15B team demonstrating their
best netball of the season. Special mention to Kate Aston
and Orla Kislingbury in defence, for their interception and
determination. The highlight of the U15Cs' season was their win
against Clifton College 17-14; it was truly a great game to watch,
as the teams were well-suited and challenged one another. Our
shooters did us proud.
The U14As, with new coach Miss Menheneott, finished a difficult
season on fine form, with a draw against Canford; the 24-24 score
gives an indication of the keenness of the game. This team made
particularly good progress over the term. The U14Bs in their
Clifton College fixture made a spirited start to what proved a fastpaced first quarter.
They played with great energy and purpose,
making powerful attacking runs and keeping the pressure on. This
earned them a 2-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. However,
the second quarter saw Clifton settle and up their attacking pace
to carve out a lead. The girls battled relentlessly and worked well
as a unit, continuing to challenge right up to the final whistle. They
dug deep with some excellent defensive play to hold the gap to
13-3. Scarlett Manger was particularly impressive in this respect
- her efforts acknowledged by the opposition, who nominated
her player of the match. Other notable performances came from
Cathy Vicarage and Phoebe Swan, whose clever movement helped
the girls to produce an impressive performance. The U14C team
tried hard through the season and produced a gradually improving
performance throughout. Despite some of the matches being very
one-sided, the girls played some of the best netball.
Of particular note, Niamh Lyall attended the satellite Performance
Centres for Netball. However, special mention should be given
to all those girls in 6.2 who played their final year of netball for
the school: Gussy Hydleman, Alia Hamaoui, Sophia Collins, Erin
Slade, Tarn McIntosh, Emily Albery, Chantal Fifield, Rebecca
Vickery and Camilla Arliss.
The season finished with House netball and Meynell won both the
junior and senior tournaments.
Katy Smith and Beth Beale against Canford with the 3rds
Emma Smith defending for the 2nds
Lucy O'Donnell against Taunton for the U15Cs
Sport 59