On Sunday 10 November, Epsom’s 1st team netballers travelled to Shirley High School to compete in the county round of the National Schools Netball Tournament.
The team’s journey began with a slightly slow start, but they quickly found their rhythm and showcased their true potential. The first match saw the team claim a hard-fought 11-8 victory over Caterham. Despite some early mistakes, the girls managed to regain their composure and take control of the game. In the next match, they faced Alleyn’s, and after a tense 8-8 draw, they showed resilience in defence and improved their passing accuracy.
The team surged through the tournament
From then on, the team surged through the tournament, displaying some excellent teamwork and individual brilliance. A dominant 16-5 win against St John’s followed, with Amelie Penwarden and Lily Rexstrew providing a shooting clinic, while the defensive unit worked tirelessly to limit their opponents’ scoring chances. This was followed by a commanding 13-1 victory against King’s College School Wimbledon, with strong performances across the court.
Two more hard-fought draws, 11-11 against St Catherine’s and 8-8 against Putney, kept the team on track for qualification. In both matches, the defensive pairing of Diana Peters, Issy Franklin, Ollie Diri, and Chia Brown were instrumental, making key interceptions and denying the opposition any easy goals. Their defensive efforts were vital in securing the team’s top spot in the group, as they remained undefeated in the group stage with the best defensive record.
The final match of the group stage saw Epsom face St George’s, where they cruised to a 13-0 victory, finishing the group on a high note.
The girls played an outstanding match, dominating the court
In the playoffs, the team faced Emmanuel for a place in the regional round. With everything on the line, the girls played an outstanding match, dominating the court with a 10-4 win. Every player gave their all, from the shooting circle to the defensive third, securing their spot in the regional rounds of the National Schools Netball Tournament, an historic achievement for Epsom College.
The team’s performances were outstanding throughout the day, and special mention must go to the Coaches’ Players of the Tournament: Gina Carrington and Issy Franklin, who were both exceptional in their roles on court.
A milestone in the College’s netball history
This achievement marks a milestone in the College’s netball history, and the team is now looking forward to the regional round in January with high hopes and confidence. The girls’ dedication, teamwork, and perseverance throughout the day were truly exemplary.
