17 Netball

It has been a mixed season in the way of results, with 5 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses. As the team entered the new season, only 2 1st team players remained from last year: the rest were relative beginners. The first year of allowing Girls' full time Squash has proved successful, and a great improvement was seen in all players as the season progressed. This was proved on tour, whence we returned with both the Boys' and the Girls' teams undefeated (though it must be pointed out that the Girls had the better tour record). Our thanks go to Mr. Lee for such an enjoyable time.

Our congratulations also go to captain Rebecca Bramall who played at first string: she was the only undefeated player on the tour and she remained that way until she lost her last match of the season 1 - 3. Nicky Bell, playing at number 2, has shown more thoughtfulness on court, and her strong backhand has proved a good test to all her opponents. Although Becky Kettlewell's ground strokes are not as strong as most, it is her serve which has helped her to win 6 of 11 matches. Adele Aspden, although lacking confidence at the start of the season, has since grown in maturity on court, and it was Adele who was the only player to win her match against Harrogate College. Sophie Richards could not join us on tour, but she has always played willingly for home fixtures. Unfortunately, she has not received as much expert coaching as the rest of the team. Alex Webster did a great job as our reserve, always being there when needed. Her improvement from an absolute beginner to her first team performance at the end of the season was remarkable. She also led a 2nd team through 3 matches. The LVI players together with Fourth former Sophie Jackson won 2 and lost 1 of their games. All the 2nd team arrived here as beginners, and have shown determination and enthusiasm throughout the season. We hope this will give a good basis for next year's team. The following represented the Girls' 1st VI Squash: R. Bramall* (Capt.), N. Bell*, R. Kettlewell*, A. Aspden*, S. Richards*, A. Webster. *Colours.

R. H. B.

Netball

1988 saw the beginning of Netball at St. Peter's. The First team lost only 2 matches, and had convincing wins over The Mount, Hunmanby Hall, Giggleswick, Woodhouse Grove, Ripon and St. John's, Gateways, and Queen Margaret's. The shooting by captain Kate Prest and Polly Farnsworth was reliable and talented. The defence was well played by determined and strong-willed Cath Towers and Clare Suttill, along with the enthusiastic flailing arms of Katy Ball-Dodd who lent so much spirit and skill to the team. Jo Craven played well throughout for the attacking side of the team, and Mary-Ann Kilby as centre was energetic. Her talent for being in two places at once was much appreciated. The team spirit during the season was high, and the First team did extremely well considering they had never played together before while the majority had not even touched a netball for 2 years. With coaching and experience, the team pulled together to play at a high standard.

The Second team also had a successful season, losing only 2 matches. The Second team members played well and were eager to be successful under the captaincy of Lucy Hughes. Steph Atkinson and Vicky Simpson worked well at shooting. Gemma Pollard, Alex Webster, Emma Lockwood and Clare Hugill complete the team.

Against Giggleswick, Woodhouse Grove and Queen Margaret's a Third team was necessary. This was played by Lara Lowe, Jo Gordon, Louise Heslop and Amanda Cooper.

There were a large number of Netball players generally, and enthusiasm was high: the game was popular and the teams sucessful. Many thanks go to Mrs. Shepherd, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Burrows for their talented coaching and encouragement.

K. A. P.