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Despite the chilly temperatures across two full days of SISNA Tournaments hosted at Hurst, the Hurst Netball teams delivered exceptional performances in the SISNA Tournament, showcasing resilience, determination, and sportsmanship at every level.

The U14A girls fought hard through some challenging matches, showing their strength against tough competition. They faced off against Brighton Girls and Seaford, both teams they had previously struggled against. The first match against Brighton Girls was a nail-biter, with Hurst leading by 2 goals before ultimately losing by just one. But the girls didn’t let that setback deter them. In their final group match, they took on Seaford, a team that had beaten them earlier in the season. With a point to prove, Hurst stepped up, pulling off a 9-6 victory.

Their semi-final against Brighton College was a thrilling end-to-end battle. Despite strong opposition, Hurst managed to break Brighton’s defensive zone and take the lead. However, they couldn’t quite hold on to it, losing 9-8 in a dramatic finish. Despite the tough results, the U14A girls’ effort was commendable, and they left the court with heads held high.

The U14B team, the only B team in the tournament, proved their worth with impressive performances against much stronger teams. Initially nervous, the girls quickly showed they belonged on the court, finishing second in their pool. The semifinal saw them up against Brighton Girls A, and despite a strong showing, Hurst was defeated by the top-tier team.

They then faced their own U14A team in a hard-fought match, finishing in a respectable fourth place. The girls’ relentless pressure and determination were on full display, as they never allowed any team to intimidate them. Their effort throughout the tournament was exceptional.

The U15A team dominated the SISNA tournament, winning all their matches with ease. Victories over Brighton College, Ardingly, Eastbourne, and Burgess Hill saw them progress to the Shield Cup semi-final, where they faced Roedean. Another strong performance led them to the final against Ardingly, where Hurst clinched a 13-5 victory, capping off a perfect day of netball. Their resilience and teamwork ensured they finished the tournament without dropping a single game.

U16A team demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, channeling their energy into playing the highest standard of netball despite the disappointment of their performance in the regional finals. Their exceptional play saw them remain undefeated throughout the tournament and successfully defend the SISNA title they proudly secured last year.

The U16B team had an impressive tournament, finishing 5th in the county. Despite narrow losses to Brighton College and Ardingly, they triumphed in their other matches, proving themselves a formidable force. As a B team, the girls were particularly proud to have faced and beaten many A teams from other schools. Their performance was a testament to their skill, determination, and teamwork.

The U18A team showcased great tenacity and skill throughout the tournament, but it was the Senior 2nds (U18B) who stole the show, winning the Plate competition. Their consistency in attack and relentless defence were key to their success. Each player demonstrated incredible resilience and passion, pushing through every challenge. Their victory is a testament to their hard work and determination, and they should all take pride in their outstanding performance.

Overall, Hurst’s Netball teams demonstrated a remarkable level of skill and sportsmanship across all age groups, from the youngest players in U14s to the U18s. Every team showed true dedication, and while there were some tough moments, the girls’ passion for the game and their commitment to improving was evident in every match.