The Netball Season Begins!
Date: Saturday 19 January 2008
A block of five fixtures against Sutton Valence graced the start of the Senior School Netball season, with three senior teams playing at home, and two junior VIIs travelling to Sutton Valence.
SES enjoyed a clean sweep of the home fixtures, with the 3rds, under the captaincy of Nat Barrett coming out on top by 15 goals to 7. 'Man of the Match' was Louise Thompson as goal defence, while the goals were shared by Krishma Pithia and Natalie French.
The 2nds won 10 - 6, with Sophie Robertson outstanding in defence, and captain Jo Macdonald covering every inch of the court before damaging her ankle.
The 1sts, playing indoors in the Sports' Hall, won each of the first three 'quarters', and drew the fourth, thus earning the pleasure, rather than the wrath of coach Christine George. The final score was 33 - 24, with Annalisa Flood and Arabella Pemberton scoring freely, thanks to excellent midfield play from Natasha Hopper, Charlotte Hawken, and Helen Sabine. Skipper Chloe Portman defended strongly, and Sam Catford had a great game, winning many vital rebounds and interceptions. This is a young side - 5 Upper Fifths out of the squad of 8: a good season now? And, a better future?
As for the juniors? I await their return from the Weald with interest!....
They returned, sadly, on the receiving end of two defeats. The Under 14s lost 26 - 6 to a strong SV outfit, while the Under 15s, captained by Jenny Wheal, lost by a margin of just 3 goals, 15 - 18, suggesting that the season ahead may be more productive than last year's. The squad is stronger with the advent of Georgia Gurney, amongst others, and confidence is 'on the up'.
