ALUMNAE NETBALL TOURNAMENT The annual alumnae versus Under 18s netball match, a long standing event in the alumnae calendar, took place on Sunday 13 September 2009, and as always it was a match to remember. The morning began with a few words from Sue Penfold from the PE department, who introduced the alumnae present; this was strange for those who left earlier in the summer: Sabea Morgan, Bex and Ruth Coxon, Kate Sedgewick, Michelle Turgoose and Sarah Smith. Other participants included Fiona Miles (1994), for whom the Fiona Miles Trophy for ability and contribution to senior school netball
is named, Katharine Flint (2006), Stef Hardy (2004), Kate Foster (2006), Frances Collingham (2007), Kate Clerkin (2003) and NiaCampbell Watson (2007). For the current Under 18 squad it was the first match of the season, so it was a great opportunity to see what they had to offer. The compulsory denial of abilities and expectation ensued; initial comments from the Alumnae squad of “I haven’t played in years”, “I can’t remember the last time I wore these trainers” and “it’s been over a year since I even touched a netball”, were counteracted by the Under 18 squad’s “we haven’t even played as
a team” and “I haven’t exercised all summer”. However, one blow of the whistle and the NGHS competitive spirit kicked in. With the Under 18s determined to show what they were made of, and the alumnae keen to
do and they returned with all guns blazing on to court. The Under 18s were in full flow, however, and began to pull away, with the score reaching 19-24, 22-33, 26-36.
show their experience, it was set to be an exciting match.
The alumnae were going to need to pull something fairly spectacular out of the hat, but with only enough time on the clock for one more throw off, Sue Penfold decided to spice things up with a “next goal wins” ruling. Team Alumnae took their chance and with a few swift, accurate passes Kate Foster stepped up to shoot, it was in the net and the alumnae had won the game!
The game was tight, with the score 12-19 to the Under 18s at half time. Team Alumnae had some work to
Many thanks go to Sue Penfold - the annual alumnae versus Under 18s netball match is a great opportunity for alumnae, parents of alumnae and current students to get together, revisit the school and keep in touch with staff.
EVENTS
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