Girls’ Sport

This week all of the girls played lots of netball in a variety of venues.
1st Team
The week started with the 1st team taking part in the Regional IAPS Competition at Brighton College. We knew that the first match against Hoe Bridge would be tough having previously met them as U12’s at a tournament at The Hawthorns. The game started with both teams playing faultless netball and scoring from their centre pass, however as the game progressed towards half time Holmewood took advantage of a few errors from the opposition and went on to win 14-9. Next up was Brambletye who were much stronger than when we played them early in the season, but we eventually got into a rhythm and beat them 10-4. Handcross Park and Cumnor were showed our netball at it’s finest, and again we went on to win the pool winning 15-6 and 15-2 respectively.
The semi-finals loomed and having watched a very tall and skilful Cranford we were nervous at the start of the match. We were soon down by 2 goals, but settled into the play and eventually came back to win 10-6. The final was against Hurstpierpoint and we were winning 6-3 at half time. Coming back more physical and determined in the second half, Hurst had the edge and when the final whistle blew we were 8-8. From there it was golden goal, and Hurst who had possession went onto score winning 9-8.
This didn’t affect our chances of qualifying for the National Finals at Cranleigh in March, and so with more match and tournament play to come, we will hopefully be ready to perform at the Finals!!
Very well done to the girls who really gave their all and played brilliantly!! SP
1st Team Netball which qualified for the Nationals at Cranleigh in March
The matches on Wednesday had teams playing Vinehall, St Andrew’s St Michael’s and we had tournaments at Hazelwood.
The 1st team played in the versatility tournament at Hazelwood which was great fun and a real relief from Monday. All the team had to switch positions every time a goal was scored and so gave everyone the chance to shoot and play in the centre court. Winning the matches convincingly, the girls came away with their third medal of the week! Well done again girls for a great afternoon of play. SP
U12A Netball
The Under 12A team secured an impressive second-place in the Versatility Netball Tournament at Hazelwood School this week.
They started strong with a 4-1 victory against Hawthorns, displaying some excellent teamwork and precision. Their second match was a close contest against Wally Hall, where they narrowly lost 4-5 in a hard-fought battle. Bouncing back with determination, they claimed a 5-3 win over Hazelwood and in their final match against Sevenoaks Prep, they edged out a 5-4 victory, sealing their place as runners-up in the tournament. Their great performance and teamwork were evident throughout, with thanks to Hen and Betsy who joined the team and a special mention to Trixie and Tilly who were named Players of the Game. KL
The 1st Team and U12/13 teams which competed at the Hazelwood Versatility Tournaments
U13B Netball
It was back to winning ways this week for the U13B team in a hotly contested battle against St Andrew’s. It was back and forth in the first two quarters with the scores being level at half time, before Holmewood pulled away with some fantastic quick passing up the court to our clinical shooters. The game ended 13-9 to Holmewood with Maisie being awarded ‘defender of the game’ and Astrid ‘attacker of the game’ from the opposition players. Congratulations girls on a well earnt win.
U12B Netball
Another lovely afternoon in the sports hall for the U12b team. They were playing a team of yr 8 girls who were considerably taller but we discussed coming forward for the ball rather than trying to pass overhead and this worked well. Some more lovely movement and shooting from Sofia and Charlotte, tireless defence from Delilah and Alicia and hard work through the centre court from Sophia and Lotte. A special mention to Esperanza at C for earning herself POM. A much improved performance from her especially in her passing. TB
U11A Netball
We travelled to Eastbourne with dark clouds looming. It was clear the two teams were evenly matched and determined to play a high tempo game. We were slow to score at the beginning but by half time, the shots were accurate and we were ahead 6 5. The girls have been focusing on defending in lessons. Out tight man to man marking, limiting the opponents space and excellent hands up and over the ball, standing a metre away proved how effective we were in turnovers and repossession. Goals went with centre pass and at 9 all, St Andrews just scored in the dying second of the game as the rain came. POM Lavinia and Shekinah but another great committed performance from everyone – special mention to Maya, Amaia and Rebecca who played well today for this team. Great work girls. SE
U11B Netball
The U11 B team played an amazing game against St Andrew’s Eastbourne! The girls lost 13-12, with the winning goal being scored on the final whistle. The match was extremely close throughout all quarters as a result of the teams determination. The year 6 girls were switching around between different position, mixing up how they played. They showed amazing sportsmanship despite the unfortunate outcome, not to mention their superb netball skills.
Some highlights from the game included how well the girls were finding space and moving into open areas, and their defence strategies and how well they stayed on their players. However next week we will aim to work on their passes, in terms of passing to other people so it can be more easily received.
Watching the game, I was very proud of the girls and how well they did! They put up a good fight and put all their effort into this game ET
U10 Netball
U10’s travelled to Vinehall for a triangular alongside St Andrews.
Holmewood took 3 teams to play and they dominated all matches. All games were in the Bee Netball format which is a 5 aside where players rotate all positions.
The 5 aside format forced space on the court and with some good timing we had many fast passages of play down to the goal. Every girl in each team had the opportunity to shoot throughout each game.
All played brilliantly with a total of 57 goals scored from the Holmewood teams. We had a great afternoon despite the rain. Well done all.
A’s v Vinehall 8-0 win
A’s v St Andrews 7-3 win
B’s v Vinehall 7-0 win
B’s v St Andrews 9-0 win
C’s v St Andrews 26-3 win