The Dolphin 2015
Under 15 A: Standing (L to R): Lottie Gould, Megan Ward, Katie Hawkins, Millie Regan. Sitting (L to R): Emily Wastell, Harriet Wakelin, Megan Jones, Abagael Hyde, Charlotte Mansergh
Under 15B Kate Flavell reviews a successful season for her ever improving team
T
his term’s Under 15 B Netball squad was energetic, diligent and determined. After several training sessions establishing positions, we headed off to our first match against Blundell’s which we successfully won 10-7. Although we weren’t victorious in the next two matches against St Mary’s Shaftesbury and Clayesmore, the U15Bs still showed tenacity and these losses gave them the opportunity to work on group weaknesses during their training sessions. By the third week of term, things really started to improve when we played Queen’s Taunton. The girls knew they were up against strong opposition but they dominated the game from the outset and consequently they secured a well-deserved 23-3 win. From here on to the end of term, the team had a flurry of success with some impressive wins over tough sides, including Wells (21-5), Chilton Cantelo (23-18), Sherborne School for Girls (13-9), Monkton Combe (18-16) and Bruton School for Girls (19-7). The side was captained by Charlotte Mansergh, who led the squad by example. As Centre, she moved around the court brilliantly; her standard of play excelled as the term progressed. Holly White was also a priceless team member, her intercepting skills and aggression at Goal Defence were second to none. Also moving around the court well were Sophie Wichary and Ella Corlett. Sophie’s skills improved dramatically over the term and Ella soon began to show a natural flair for a rediscovered sport. Our defence consisted of Holly White, Sophie Williams, Kitty Mant, Mattie Sweeting and Charlotte Meyer, who all worked together brilliantly and proved to be very versatile players. Sophie used her height advantage to snatch many rebounds, whilst Kitty used her speed around the court to slow down the play of the opposing team. Mattie often kept the game under control in high pressure situations and although this was Charlotte’s first time of playing Netball, she took to the game brilliantly. Amy Williams and Skye Neal were the shooters for the season. Their confidence in their shooting abilities went from strength to strength, scoring ambitious shots against strong defenders. Our final match of the season, against a strong Taunton School side, put an end to our winning streak of six games. Despite the tough nature of this match, the girls never gave up which demonstrates clearly what a determined side the team was this year. Every member of the squad should be extremely proud of their improvement and success over the season.
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