11 minute read
Netball
The strength in depth demonstrated across the 2018/19 netball season has been exceptional. Once again all year groups have demonstrated tremendous character in their approach towards netball season.
History was made this year, when for the first time all three St Peter’s teams U14, U16 and U19 reached the Regional Finals in the National Schools Competition. A very proud achievement considering tournaments were played out of season.
A special mention should go to the U14s, who fell just short of reaching National Finals. The potential on show that day from the U14 team was outstanding. They battled many experienced sides in a feat of sheer stamina and determination to finish 3rd overall. A real credit to the team’s tenacious attitude and determination.
Such an inspiring achievement from such a young side, who certainly have a very promising future ahead.
FIRST VII
It was yet another formidable season for the 1st VII. They were patient yet decisive in their approach this year, with their time and energy being fully devoted towards instilling a never give up culture that would ultimately help lead to their success this year. The 1st VII started the season brightly, thriving for competition week in week out. We saw the side mature with confidence, enabling them to wholeheartedly commit to the game plan and execute it at crucial times this season. Highlights include wins against Newcastle High (23-22), RGS (52-22), Hymers College (32-15), Ryedale (31-9), and Ripon Grammar (48-19).
The annual game against York St John didn’t fail to disappoint. We saw both sides engage in a 60 minute physical battle, with both mid-courts working tirelessly to transition quickly from attack to defence. The momentum stayed with St Peter’s throughout the 1st quarter, producing a series of interceptions that helped us to maintain momentum, and build a commanding lead. Both shooting duos stepped up to the challenge and put in near-perfect performances as the teams went goal-for-goal. The gap reduced at half time, as YSJ got the better of our shooting combination, capitalising on our error rate, and gaining an important advantage for the first time. However YSJ only revelled for a moment after a St Peter’s fightback that saw them turn an 8 goal deficit into a 6 goal winning margin.
The final score ended in a 32-26, in favour of St Peter’s. A hardfought victory, and an incredible game of netball to round off an equally incredible season.
The moments of tension have been far out-weighed by the moments of brilliance this season. There have been many stand out performances to choose from, not least, shooter Frankie Chapman who made her debut in the 1st VII, where she consistently even from range, shot with confidence, composure and obvious enjoyment.
Lucy-May Robinson made her mark early on in the season, sinking shots from range with consistency. Amelia Blackburn and Maddie Wylie provided countless turnovers at vital times, combining together in a manner that seems almost telepathic at times. Charlotte Calvert, Hannah Aubrey and Lily Williams provided security in mid-court, working tirelessly to cover each third with the upmost determination. The defensive duo of Amy Webster and Millie Redshaw, dominated St Peter’s defensive third for their final season, providing second to none teamwork, while relentlessly making interceptions. And finally, Emily Rastrick who found herself flourishing in the intensity of 1st team netball.
We would like to thank the girls for one of the most rewarding and enjoyable coaching seasons to date. It has been a pleasure to work with such a determined and motivated set of girls. The girls leave behind a playing framework that will inspire our future teams.
A.Webster (Captain), M. Redshaw, F. Chapman, H. Aubrey, A. Blackburn, M. Wylie, C. Calvert, L. Williams, L-M. Robinson, E. Rastrick.
SECOND VII
The 2nd VII had their most successful and impressive season to date, exceeding all expectations, and signifying the high level of talent being produced across the board at St Peter’s.
We are immensely proud of the 2nd VII team this year. The girls have demonstrated great maturity in their approach to trying out new ideas this season. Their drive, determination and focus to relentlessly stick to the through-court defensive principles, has encouraged the team to apply pressure as a unit, rather than as individuals. The talent and commitment on show by the 2nd VII throughout the whole season has been outstanding, with the team measuring up victorious over some quality 1st VII teams. The team got off to a flying start with a strong win against a highly skilled Woodhouse Grove (38-8). Other particular highlights were beating RGS Newcastle 29-28 and York St John University 26-23, a real testament to the team’s efforts and determination in training.
The strength and depth on display by the 2nd VII at the QM invitational tournament was inspiring, and a real privilege to watch. The work rate from the attack and defence saw the team play with control and patience for the majority of the tournament.
The girls were tenacious in their approach towards their unbeaten run out, establishing an early lead in their first match against Silcoates. Katie Bonner scored an impressive 14 goals in the opening 6 minutes to help secure the win. After that there was no stopping the team, as they went on to beat Pocklington, Barnard Castle, Ashville, QM, and Hymers and find themselves in the final.
The final against Sedbergh went goal for goal throughout the whole first half, and continued in the same vein across the beginning 3 minutes of the second. St Peter’s quickly began to regain possession in the final stages of the game, while successfully finding their form and pushing hard to gain back the advantage.
The defensive combination of Jess Davis and Georgia Chamberlain helped pressure Sedbergh into making mistakes at critical times. In turn this encouraged the team to calmly capitalise on these errors, by firing the ball to our centre court players who confidently fed the shooters with ease in order to help seal the win for the team. A great way to finish a very enjoyable season. Well done to all the girls who were involved this year.
K. Bonner, E.Race, M. Smith, P. Brown, E. Spencer, G. Chamberlain, J. Davis, A. Whitaker, S. Avery.
THIRD VII
After a busy hockey term and well deserved Christmas break, the netball season started swiftly with an early trip to Newcastle High. There were a few new faces in the team, so considering the girls had only had one training session together before the match, they put out a strong performance. Despite coming away with a marginal loss, it was evident that with a bit of training and team bonding, the girls had a positive season ahead of them.
The following week we had two matches – The Mount and Woodhouse Grove – and came away from both fixtures with convincing wins. Several girls were moved into unfamiliar positions but proved themselves to be very valuable and versatile players. Excellent match play continued over the next few weeks with confident victories over Pocklington and Bootham. Our winning streak was temporarily disrupted with a very close match against Ampleforth, which saw the match tied at 20-20 with only seconds to go and Ampleforth getting that all important final goal to win the match 21-20. This small blip only made us more determined in our remaining matches and we came back fighting to win our final three matches against Wyke College, Barnard Castle and Bootham.
Many of our matches were against 1st and 2nd teams, so the girls were challenged throughout the season and produced some fantastic performances.
Congratulations on a very successful season to all the 3rd team players!
UNDER-15S
It was pleasing to see so many girls taking up the Netball option this season, with the emphasis on personal development and reaching their full potential, several players were given the opportunity to play in the older age group squads.
Training was met with enthusiasm and a desire to improve both in their ball and movement skills. Team work was essential as new combinations throughout the court had to be found.
With two squads formed matches came very early in the season and as expected players took to court a little nervous in their new playing positions. Hard work followed focusing on playing to our strengths, speed and quick release, and sticking to our game plan against some very tall opposition.
Confidence grew the more match play we experienced and movements between the squads were possible as we had a nucleus of girls, of a similar standard, all who offered something different. This proved invaluable later on in the season when availability and injuries meant that we had players ready to step in who knew the set plays.
Overall the commitment of the girls cannot be questioned, playing to the final whistle in every match, a learning curve for some who have risen to the challenge and become better players with a greater knowledge of the game.
The season ended with the York and District Tournament and again due to availability a team combining players from both the A and B squads progressed through the group stages to the final where they were defeated by the narrowest of margins. A fantastic achievement for all involved.
It has been a pleasure to coach these girls this season and see the improvements they have made, sessions have been fun, challenges have been met and special thanks to Shoni Aston for her captaincy.
Squad: Shoni Aston (Captain), Alex Amsden, Ruby Johnson, Sabyn Maude, Alice Wilson, Poppy Courtis, Millie Coleman, Ellie Gillies, Lottie Coombe, Lucy Falconer, Maddie Lindley, Ellie Matthews, Jess Jones, Alicia Urwin, Katie Padgett, Mimi Naish, Lizzie Nelson, Pebbles Myers, Jenny Greenwood, Rose Liley, Flora Watson, Naomi.
UNDER-14S
Firstly, I would like to thank all the girls for the commitment they have shown to the netball during the year. On a number of occasions, we had to field three teams and the B team often had to play other schools’ A teams. All the girls trained with enthusiasm and dedication despite, at times, some very challenging weather conditions which they had to contend with.
The A team had a superb season which culminated in them reaching the regional finals of the National Schools Competition. At the competition, which took place at the Sheffield Institute of Sport, the team came 3rd overall – meaning that they lost out on a National Finals place by just 1 point. The regular school fixtures provided some equally challenging matches, notably Woodhouse Grove and Sedbergh School – these were very close matches, but the resilience of the St Peter’s girls was evident as they battled for a win!
I was particularly impressed with the improvement made by the B and C team members. Every girl who had opted to play netball represented the school in fixtures which, in turn, helped to develop their match play. Impressively their skills increased especially the speed at which they started to move the ball accurately through the court. Best wishes to you all as you progress into the U15 teams.
The following girls represented the A team: Holly Bletcher, Romilli Bennett, Jessica England, Natalia Granville-Fall, Sophie Moir, Grace Nixon (Captain), Holly Pears, Astrid Smith and Emelia Taylor.
The following girls represented the B and C teams: Ella Roebuck, Lara Webster, Emma Franey, Molly Ake (Captain), Charlotte Hopwood, Martha Rycroft, Beth Eaton, Josie Field, Rosie Black, Jamie Hui, Mariya Popova, Niamh Machin and April Sun.
GIRLS’ NETBALL RESULTS 2019
DATE OPPOSITION 1ST XI 2ND XI 3RD XI 4TH XI U16A U15A U15B U14A U14B U14C
10/11/18 Stoneyhurst - 0-5 0-4 - - - 2-1 - 3-0 -
12/01/19 Newcastle High 23-22 26-21 13-17 13-16 - 2-25 11-11 37-16 8-14 -
16/01/19 GSAL 13-31 - - - 37-11 8-48 - 20-35 - -
16/01/19 The Mount - - 37-13 16-8 - - - - - -
19/01/19 Woodhouse Grove 19-31 - 38-8 30-16 14-14 8-25 23-8 19-10 22-11 23-7
23/01/19 Ryedale 31-9 - - - 13-10 - - - - -
23/01/19 Pocklington - - - 30-6 - - - - - -
23/01/19 St Aidan's - - - - - 24-21 19-20 41-11 - -
30/01/19 RGS 52-22 29-28 - 17-15 23-3 - - - - -
06/02/19 Ripon - - - - - 29-32 30-9 21-24 6-15 -
09/02/19 Hymers 32-15 - - - 33-7 - - - - -
09/02/19 Ampleforth - 25-16 - 20-22 - 14-7 24-5 40-3 3-23 4-14
13/02/19 Ripon 48-19 34-18 - - - - - - - -
06/03/19 York St John 32-26 26-23 - - - - - - - -
06/03/19 Harrogate GS - - - - 8-22 - - 18-9 5-17 -
09/03/19 Sedbergh 22-26 16-7 - - 14-10 6-34 - 19-17 - -
12/03/19 Wyke College 24-11 22-1 22-6 - 28's - - - - -
20/03/19 Ashville 23-19 - - - - - - - - -
23/03/19 Barnard Castle 44-11 - 21-4 - 15-8 23-19 25-6 - 19-18 8-19
23/03/19 Queen Margaret’s - 25-24 14-13 - 19-14 - - - - -
