The Courier

The U9 'A' and 'B' netball teams welcomed Solihull Junior School to Crescent on Tuesday 16 January. It was a cold crisp afternoon and so both teams settled quickly to ensure a fair game was played before light faded and fingers were almost lost to frostbite!

Both games were evenly matched and saw all players working hard to put in to practice skills learnt in training sessions. This included new movement from the centre pass and set plays from backline passes where we have been looking to develop use of space to be able to hold and drive forward running onto the ball.

The U9 'A' team took an early lead in the first half.  With some lovely passing sequencing from all players, the team were communicating well and moving the ball quickly in to our attacking third with some fantastic cross passes in to the circle giving Crescent a 2-1 lead.  Some changes made by Solihull at half time saw their team come out with new strategies and a strong determination to change the standings of the game, however Crescent held strong to ensure that the visitor’s did not go away victorious with a final score of 4-4.

The U9 'B' team also took an early lead and with fantastic defence from all players Solihull found it difficult to get the ball into their circle. Crescent watched the ball well and read the game making fast sharp interceptions to maintain the majority of the possession.  Final score was a 1-0 win to Crescent.

Players of the Game were Sienna Moran and Eve Ferguson however huge congratulations to all players, fantastic effort and achievement by all, well done.

Our Year 5 and 6 girls travelled away to The Croft on Wednesday 10 January to take on their undefeated U11 netball teams. The Croft retained their title, however, it was not without a fight from our girls who never once allowed their spirits to drop.  They showed tremendous strength of character, grit and determination in every quarter.

Our U11 'A' team grew in skill and knowledge as their game progressed working hard to defend and intercept passes and beginning to try and block The Croft's attacking players out of the circle.  Our own movement developed, putting in practice fantastic dodges and drives towards the ball to allow us to move the ball in to our own attacking circle.  Unfortunately the height of their defence made it extremely difficult for our girls to convert any chances they had.  After a heavy first half defeat of x we kept them to 9 goals in the second half, showing just how much we improved within the game by listening to and following advice given.

Our U11 'B' team worked well together as a team, co-operating and communicating well, developing new tactics from centre passes and backline plays in order to move the ball quickly into our attacking third. The score line did not reflect the end-to-end game that was played, congratulations to The Croft.

The game has given us lots of positives and lots of areas for development as we begin our netball season in Games lessons.  As coach and teacher to the girls I could not be more proud of the way that they conducted themselves showing a strength of character beyond their years.