U16s Take 3rd Place at SISNA U15 Netball SISNA

The U16s worked extremely hard in the lead up to SISNA. Their commitment to training and matches allowed them to be in the strongest position possible. They started off well against both Burgess Hill and Hurst B team, taking wins 15-6 and 14-6 respectively. They carried on in that fashion, extending our goal difference with some very accurate shooting from Elsie, Lizzie, and Lilah, helping us secure a 15-1 win over Seaford and 11-4 win over Mayfield.

We then faced the two deciding games of the tournament one after the other, first was Hurst, followed by Brighton College. We came out the blocks quickly against Hurst, turning over their centre pass with brilliant pressure from our defensive unit, Jasmine, Jamie, and Ruby, and managed to take it to goal. Unfortunately, we made an error and allowed Hurst to score off our centre pass, bringing it back to a draw. Despite lots of defensive pressure and some slick attacking moves from Pearl, we could not get the ball into our attacking D. Hurst took the win on this game.

Next up was Brighton College, and the girls wanted to take the win to secure second place. We started shakily, after injury trouble from the game before had left us unsettled. Fortunately, we clawed it back to only being down by one at half time. The girls gave their all, but, unfortunately, Brighton took the game away from us, winning 11-6. The rest of the tournament was more relaxed, with calm wins, despite us still pushing for goals difference. Ella and Esme communicated well, picking off lots of intercepts, allowing us to beat Christ Hospital 13-2 and Worth 14-1. Phoebe and Katie controlled the attacking end nicely to see the last three wins over the line, 9-1 vs Ardingly, 13-4 vs Brighton Girls, and 11-2 vs Lancing.

I am so proud of the whole squad for giving their all in every match, during a very long day of netball. You should be so proud of yourselves.

Miss Hammond

Tuesday: the day the U15As had been building up to all year... SISNA.

We went into the day with the mindset of taking each game as it comes, staying positive and keeping the ball safe. And I tell you what... we did just that!

Let me introduce you to the squad:

■ Captain Clara (GD) – loud and proud on the court, mum vibes off the court

■ Georgie (GK) – silent assassin, sneaky interceptor

■ Evie (WD) – hustler and general wing attack irritator

■ Polly (WD, WA, C, GS) – Little Miss pretends she can't shoot, so the crowd goes wild when she scores every goal...

■ Tildy (WA, C) – the triple C: cool, calm, composed

■ Alice (WA) – 1...2...3....Alice: feisty feeder

■ Grace (WA) – late but valuable, short and snappy

■ Saffron (GA) – Saffr-ON every ball, and a shooting legend

■ Mia (GS) – the SISNA scratching post

The team's first game was against Ardingly. We made a strong start, but we got pipped at the post with a 4-10 loss. After a regroup and gather, the team fought hard against Bedes, and won 8-7.

Next up was Hurst. With a possession game plan, the score stayed at 2-2 for the first 5 minues, and we were 2-4 down at half time. The strong side turned it up int the second half, ending in a 3-11 loss. Eastbourne were next on the list, and we won 8-5.

Our final group stages game left us with Brighton Girls. With some silly errors in a winnable game, we lost 2-8. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the team finished third in their group stage, meaning we went into the 5th & 6th place play-off versus Burgess Hill. The BH team were physical and tall, and we struggled to get any goals in the first half, leaving us a tough second half, and we lost 3-9.

There are areas to work on, but a sixth place overall finish is great. I cannot explain how proud I am of the squad, for their team effort and positivity throughout the day. They worked hard for each other, remained focused, and fought for every ball in every match. They've made me the proudest coach and I can't wait for their final matches of the season after half term.