Hurst U19 Netball squad
triumph in Sussex Knock Out Cup

The 1^st VII were extremely pumped up for the final of the U19 Sussex Knock Out Cup, aiming to add it to their previous wins at younger levels in this competition and their win this year at SISNA.  The girls took a little while to get going and missed a number of early shots but stayed calm and settled down well. They started to apply pressure to this year's opponents, Imberhorne, who as a result, gave away many penalties. 

Hurst had a good first two quarters of the match, leading at half time by 8 goals and looked to have Imberhorne on the run.  In the third quarter, however, the decision to rest two of our strongest players to ensure they had fresh legs for the final quarter, did not work to Hurst's advantage and an invigorated Imberhorne came back strongly to win the quarter by 5 goals, thus reducing Hurst's lead to just 3.  The final quarter was very tense and fiercely contested with Imberhorne taking full advantage of the errors made by Hurst, whose energy levels had started to flag.  At the end of full time play, the score was 35 goals all and 5 minutes' extra time each way beckoned. 

Hurst played the extra time with their original starting line-up back on court. The first half of extra time saw Imberhorne still playing strongly to take a 3-1 lead.  Hurst remained calm and to their credit did not crack under the extreme pressure and kept their heads throughout. In the break, they steeled themselves to achieve the win they so wanted and in the second half of extra time took the game to Imberhorne, turning the ball over at every opportunity and making the turnovers count. Their determination to succeed was rewarded by a win by just one goal at the end of extra time.

Head of Girls' Games, Rebecca Scott was at the game, "I am absolutely delighted for the girls and for their coach, Rebecca Jutson. They have all worked tremendously hard this year and have had a fantastic season.  Imberhorne and St Bede's have long been this team's main rivals and to have beaten them both this year, along with Roedean at the SISNA tournament, is a mark of just how much they have achieved. For me, the stand-out performances today were from Deanna Greenhalgh (Centre)  and Katherine Woodlock, whose shooting was outstanding."  Team Coach and Hurst's Head of Netball, Rebecca Jutson is thrilled for the team, "It has been an amazing netball season for Hurst this year.  I am so pleased for these girls, who pulled off a great win today, particularly so for those in the Upper Sixth, Ellie Sleep, Jenna Johnson, Lauren Peters and Grace Couchman, who have seen such wonderful success in their final year at Hurst."  Most of the squad will be here at Hurst next year, so we are already looking forward to that!"

 

To see a brief video showing the U19's playing Imberhorne School (and cheering after their fantastic victory), pass your mouse over the video box below and click on the start button when it appears.