1ST VII We began our season with the County tournament showing great skill and determination. Consistent shooting by Meg Norman, combined with strong circle defence by Edith Waterman and Sammy Sullivan, meant we started the season in the best way, being awarded U19 County Champions, and a place at the Regional Round of the Competition - a superb achievement. In a close and competitive first match against Kingswood, both teams showed great skill and pace on the ball. We had a positive start, capitalising on any Kingswood mistakes. However, they came back in the third quarter, taking turnovers at our attacking end, and both sides struggled to dominate possession. Despite this we were able to gain the upper hand and pull forward. Izzy Roynon combined well with the shooters, showing finesse in her finishing passes, leading to a surge in goals. The final result 26-20 was a success, knowing we had outplayed Kingswood and won a key fixture.
One of the biggest highlights of the season was the inaugural Charity cup match, against Royal High. With the biggest crowd of the season, it was an opportunity to showcase the high level of KES netball, and raise money for two worthwhile charities. The team really stepped up to the challenge and right from the beginning, KES’s dominance in possession was the best seen across the season. The high intensity of the first half was guided by Maddie Coombe, often seeing passes through to the shooters that Royal’s defence couldn’t. In the second half, Becky HT’s resilience and determined spirit in defence was proved vital in keeping our momentum. Throughout the game we played with composure, and ended the game on a win of 38-26, a great way to end the 2016 season. A big thank you to Mrs Gwilliam, Mr Tidball and Rachael for their energy, enthusiasm and coaching support over the season. Hannah Chapman
Before travelling to Regionals, we secured two more strong wins, against Dean Close and Wells Cathedral. The Wells match, in particular, highlighted the tireless defensive work from Immy Stringer, Holly Davies and May Adams which was incredibly effective in neutralising the threat of their attack.
2ND VII This season has been a very successful one for the 2nds with a very strong team and only losing a couple of matches. Although starting out as a new team with 5 year 11s, 4 year 12s and 2 year 13s, throughout the season a strong team was built which led us to our successes. Based A few weeks later, our team was feeling on a strong defence of Emily Daulby, Becky confident heading into the Regional Finals. Our Dawson, Celeste Coury, Kirsten Meehan and first match was a great start, securing an early Ciara Stenton, through to outstanding play in mid win, with Maddie Coombe showing strong court from Olivia Selvey, Vicky McFarlane, Bella mid-court pressure and bringing the ball through Antcliff and Anna Gilbert and finally the shooting to the shooters. Unfortunately the next three trio of Izzy Breakwell, Amy Shepherd and Izzy matches were narrowly lost, against the likes of Pritchard, we had some very strong wins against a well-drilled Millfield team. A particular mention Wells Cathedral School, Monkton and Royal to Lottie Philips and her determined attitude in High School. Finally on behalf of the Seconds we this match, keeping them under pressure until would also like to say a big thank-you to all the the final whistle. Following a frustrating draw coaches for making it such an enjoyable season. against Canford, we ended the tournament on This has been one of the most enjoyable seasons another win, with Izzy Pritchard stepping up of Netball and for the year 11 and 12s. I wish you under pressure and securing goals with ease. the best of luck for next year’s season. Overall, we ended in fourth place in our pool, and despite feeling that we could have gone further, Amy Shepherd a good team performance was displayed. Over the rest of the season, we won nine matches, only losing one, as well as coming third in the Marlborough tournament. We were unbeaten against local rival Bath Schools to take the title’ Best in Bath’, a great accolade when netball is so strong in the area.
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