NETBALL
1st VII
P9 / W3 / D0 / L6
Our season started with a lesson in how
to play high-paced and skilful Netball
from our opponents, Yarm for our first
match of the season. A relatively young
1st VII squad were shell shocked but
energised by such a testing match which
pushed them to their limits in terms of
fitness and skill although, needless to say,
we lost our first match.
However, rather than letting their
heads go down the girls used the defeat
as inspiration and worked hard in
preparation for our next match which
was to be against Giggleswick. A thrilling,
well- matched game saw the girls
spending the 40 minutes fighting goal for
goal, and the true character of the squad
emerged when we secured a last second
goal to come away with a 13-12 win.
We didn’t come out of the season
unscathed from the weather and
unfortunately our following match which
was to be against Ampleforth fell victim
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THE POCKLINGTONIAN
to the snow and the match was cancelled,
leaving us to face Hull Collegiate, off the
back of two weeks without a competitive
match. A strictly textbook umpire gave
the girls a lesson in discipline on court,
which was at times frustrating but
again the girls used this like a spark to a
firework and came back fighting to beat
Hull Collegiate 25-11.
Despite the mid-season lull, where we
struggled to find our resilience in testing
matches, it has been a fulfilling season
with the girls training well and playing
with passion and drive.
Captain, Emma Hanley has led by
example on court and by always
contributing constructive points in the
breaks; she has been a great leader
and support to both myself and to the
girls in the team. Evie Hirst has been
consistently excellent in the quality of
her performances and commitment to
the team, whilst Ali Casselden and Esme
Littlewood have been solid and effective
in the Goal Keeper position. India
Esa and Emma Farnsworth have been
excellent additions to the team, bringing
elements of athleticism and attitude to the
squad. Emilia Couttie’s fancy footwork
and ability to open up the court alongside
Emma Sweeting making her debut for
the team at Wing Attack have been a
great pairing in the middle of the court.
Meanwhile, the selection of three
incredibly talented shooters has been
a constant coach’s headache, but what
a wonderful dilemma to have! Katie
Williams with her long range shots and
Amie Mason and Emma Watson have
been consistently reliable in front of
goal - even in the wettest and windiest
conditions.
All the girls should be extremely proud of
their contributions to the 1st VII Netball
squad this season and I would like to
thank them all for continuing to be superb
role models for sport at Pocklington.
LKH
Full Colours: Evie Hirst
Half Colours: Emma Watson,
Ali Casselden