The U19 and U16 teams, who finished as winners and runners-up respectively in their regional finals, both qualified for the national netball finals. The U14s put in some great performances against strong teams as they won two, drew two and lost two matches.
U19s
After a stunning set of results in the Sussex qualifiers, the U19s were determined to continue their journey right through to the national netball finals. They were fired up and had already played some strong, competitive matches in preparation. Covid continued to disrupt plans, but the camaraderie and cohesion of the squad came into its own.
In a convincing start the U19s won their first match against King Edward’s by three goals. Next up was Beaconsfield High, who inflicted a one goal defeat, but our girls stood firm with reassuring wins against The Abbey, Stowe, and St Helen and St Katharine.
As winners of their group, Hurst secured a semi-final spot against a strong St Swithun’s squad who had lost just one match to Wellington. To reach the final, our girls knew they would need to raise the tempo and hit the ground running. Sticking to the plan and setting the pace, they found themselves 10-3 up at half time. The opposition came back strong in the second half, but Hurst converted as many centres as possible and hung on to win 15-11 and make the national netball finals.
Wellington defeated Beaconsfield High in the other semi to remain unbeaten, so a thrilling final was set! Hurst made a confident start and kept it together in an intense second half to take the game 11-8 and the regional crown.
“ The girls deserved every ounce of their success, their teamwork and spirit was first class. They attacked and defended well under pressure throughout the day. We are now in full preparation for the nationals next month ” Rebecca Jutson, Assistant Director of Sport (Girls).
U16s
Members of the 16A squad were thrilled to win the Sussex round back in October but knew it would be a tough day in Southampton at the regional finals.
The girls started nervously in the first half of their opening game against King Edward’s but stepped it up in the second half to take a convincing win. Beaconsfield were up next and the girls flew out of the blocks to play some controlled netball to take another win. Further wins against Stowe, Cowes and Bradfield saw them take on Oxford High in the final group game – another team who remained undefeated. Oxford High made a blistering start and our U16s found ourselves 5-0 down early on. The girls regrouped and played some of their best netball but left themselves with two much to do and lost the game by two goals.
Finishing second in their group, Hurst played the winners of the opposite group – St Swithun’s – in the semi-final. Our girls were excited and knew they had nothing to lose, so they gave it everything in this match. Some crucial intercepts and some slick shooting saw them take the game by three goals and a place in the national netball finals.
They needed to refocus swiftly to play Wellington College in the final. It was an evenly contested game, however Wellington just seemed to have the edge and extra energy. Our girls had given their all to make sure they won the semi-final and just fell short to a strong Wellington team.
“ A fantastic performance and the girls are so excited to take part in the national finals alongside the U19s in March ” Ellen Franks, Head of Netball
U14s
The girls worked hard as a team and supported each other, whatever the combinations, throughout each match.
In their first game against Portsmouth High, who had a giant shooter, the girls had to work hard defensively in the centre court to turn the ball over. Charlotte at keeper kept her head in the circle. The teams scored goal-for-goal, to finish 6-6 at half time and 12-12 at the end of the final whistle. Against Beaconsfield it was another draw, but one Hurst should and could have won.
After an hour break the girls played Wellington, who were a sleek team – particularly the WA, GA and the GS. They were rotating in the shooting circle; their WA was accurate with her feeding and our defence struggled to close them down. The U14s suffered their first loss 12-5. Two wins then followed against Sir Henry Floyd and The Ryde, when Hurst scored a total of 29 goals, allowing just five against, which really lifted the girls’ spirits.
The final game against St Helen and St Katherine was a challenge as they had not dropped a game all tournament. At the end of the first half, our team were up by one goal, leading 4-3. It was a physical game and our girls had to hold strong to retain the ball. The opposition came back hard and fast in the second half to take the game 12-6 and qualify for the finals.
“ All in all, our team performed well, and should be proud of their achievement ” Carol Adams, Coach
Find out more about Netball at Hurst College