The U16 netball squad took part in the South West Regional Competition in Bournemouth last weekend. After some gruelling matches, culminating in seven wins and one loss, the squad achieved first place against the 13 other County representative schools. As South West Regional Champions, the girls now go through to the National Finals to be held in Basildon, Essex, in March.
The U16 Netball squad, captained by Rachel Scrase, originally qualified for the Regional Competition back in November after becoming County Champions. This is the first time in many years that an U16 Gloucestershire team has made it through to this level of the competition, and the first time ever for a Dean Close U16 netball squad, the same team who reached the Finals two years ago as an U14 squad.
Head of Girls Games, Samantha Ellingford, said: “This is a thoroughly deserved result after some very strong performances. The win was a squad effort but particular mention must go to Rachel Scrase and Rosie Abbott for outstanding accuracy in their shooting all day and to Lauren Elias who was a driven and consistent defender throughout, gaining may interceptions to regain possession.”
Results:
vs Millfield W9-4
vs Maynards W8-5
vs BGS W15-5
vs Truro W13-5
vs Dorcan Technology College L7-8
vs Parkstone W9-7
Semi Finals vs Wells Cathedral School - W12-8
Finals vs Doran Technology College W8-4
Overall Results for the U16 age group:
1st – Dean Close (Gloucs)
2nd – Dorcan Technology College (Wiltshire)
3rd – Wells Cathedral School (Somerset)
4th – Helston Community College (Cornwall)
= 5th – Maynard School (Devon ) / Bournemouth School for Girls (Dorset)
= 7th – Parkstone Grammar (Dorset) / Clifton College (Avon)
= 9th – Bristol Grammar (Avon) / Marlborough College (Wiltshire)
= 11th – Truro High School (Cornwall) / Cheltenham Ladies College (Gloucs)
= 13th – Millfield (Somerset)
Squad: Squad: Rachel Scrase (c), Rosie Abbott, Lucy Keyworth, Melissa Teague, Fey Martins, Adelaide Hollows, Clara Davis, Lauren Elias, Hattie Parker, Phillippa Hall