Netball Round Up – Almost 100 Matches Played!
Since returning from half term, we have played just shy of 100 Netball matches – below is a round-up of the past few weeks:
Junior Netball
The U13As have had a season of mixed fortunes but phenomenal improvement and as the season draws to a close it seems a shame as they are on an upward trajectory. They have gelled as a group and shown fantastic commitment during practices and matches, learning all the time and finessing techniques including marked improvements in our attacking circle. A highlight was our game against Finborough where we drew in a game that was a turning point in our season, giving us some confidence. Everyone has played their part, especially when we have been down numbers due to cross country commitments and all the players should be proud of themselves. Well done.
Although results for our U13B team this side of half term are a mix of wins and losses, the team have improved hugely and are putting together some excellent passages of play. They are a side who will never give up even when faced with opposition considerably stronger than themselves and are always very supportive of each other. Their final match against Royal Hospital School this week, who they lost to marginally at the start of the Netball term, saw a convincing win showing the progress they have made both individually and as a team. Well done team.
U13Cs have progressed really well and one of the highlights has been an extremely tight match against Ipswich School, which resulted in a 12-12 draw. The girls have worked so hard all term and their season ended on a deservedly high note with a very impressive win against the opposition B team. Well done girls!
The U12As have continued their winning streak against Ipswich School, Ipswich High School, Norwich High and last week, they won the U12A league tournament, beating seven other local teams. Their stats for this season are eyewatering, and they should be super proud of themselves. They have scored 171 goals compared with only 56 against, showing their strength in both attack and defence. The team should be congratulated on their efforts; their teamwork has been impressive, along with their ability to each play several positions on court. Well done and thank you for your enthusiasm each week!
The U12B team have had impressive wins over both Ipswich School, RHS, Ipswich High and St Jo’s. A tough game against a strong Kesgrave A team resulted in a loss but the girls never once gave up the fight. They were happy to beat Kesgrave in a return match at the tournament at Farlingaye High School.
U12C all made very good progress both individually and as a team. As the season wore on, so did the confidence of the girls and their cohesion as a team. Our Games lessons were active and filled with fun drills and game play, all of which made the girls technically more able and better decision makers in matches. The squad morphed with new players joining later in the season, but they brought a new sense of fun and enjoyment of the game and we ended on a high, winning all our matches in the second half term. A big thank you to all our supporters and flexible large squad for a successful Netball term.
Inter Girls – Year 9 and 10
U14A Team – Although we have had a mixed bag of results, the girls have gone from strength to strength and have shown amazing resilience and determination when playing and wanting to improve. After a tight match against Felsted on a glorious sunny afternoon, unfortunately resulting in a loss, the girls never gave up and played out of position due to illness, they were up for their match versus Fram. Arriving in the rain, as soon as we started the sun came out and we started with a bang. Goals being scored, interceptions being made and superb teamwork, resulted in a solid win. Our last match was against Norwich High. Unfortunately, we were by far the stronger team but could not convert our shots into goals. The team worked tirelessly, making some great interceptions and picking out loose balls, but lost by two goals.
U14B Team – During the second half of term, this team has had five impressive wins against Ipswich High, RHS, Felsted, Kesgrave and Farlingaye, and their only ‘blemish’ was an agonizingly close loss to Ipswich School. This team have made impressive improvements during the season and have shown superb resilience, commitment and teamwork.
U14C Team – This team is competing for team of the season, with an incredible six-match unbeaten record, with 152 goals scored with only 55 against – Mr Davis needs deep pockets for his endless supply of winners’ donuts!
U15A Team – The team have continued their unbeaten netball term with five wins out of five this side of half term, showing their considerable strength, depth and versatility. They still have lots to learn but are making excellent progress, putting into play areas we have been working on to maximise the team’s assets. An excellent netball term, very well done.
U1B5 Team – Great wins against Felsted, RHS, Finborough and Ipswich High School (especially considering the late changes to the team due to some regular players who were flying with the RAF!). A frustrating two goal loss to East Bergholt and Kesgrave U15A teams in matches that could have gone either way especially if there had not been illness and the school’s cross country team availability.
U15C – Brilliant win vs Felsted
The U15C team have played three and won three in a season where they have all had to work hard as we have had no reserves! We had a great win against Felsted even with people playing out of position and the shooters had a stormer of a day! We played in the rain and the sunshine, and nothing deterred their efforts. Well done girls!
Senior Teams – 1st Team
This team has had a phenomenal and unbeaten season and should be so proud of what they have achieved. Trips to both Kings Ely and Norwich High resulted in strong wins and superb teamwork – applying everything we have been working on during the season. In our first match against Ipswich School earlier in the term, we won by a single goal and in our first ever Friday Night Lights match last Friday, what a game it was! We came away winner 51 – 40. The girls displayed awesome talent and ability and were phenomenal – such a joy to watch! What a superb bunch of girls who have been an utter pleasure to coach this season.
Senior 2nd and 3rd Teams
Both teams have shown determination (and humour) when faced with very tough, physical opposition in their first matches back after half term against Ipswich and Felsted. Since then, they have convincingly beaten both King’s Ely and Norwich High School.
2nd Team – With a squad of 11 have had an awesome season finishing on winning five of their seven games and with a positive goal difference of 37. They had good wins against RHS, King’s Ely, Norwich High School, and Ipswich High with a highlight being a close won match versus Framlingham College 24-22. We played a game with some U15s to give them the experience of playing in a Senior team and they fitted in perfectly! It has been great to see students from Year 12 and 11 mixing and getting to know each other and they have been a joy to teach. Well done!
Senior 4th & U16B – A great win by two goals versus Felsted for the Senior 4th team and an impressive win for the U16B team versus Farlingaye, complete what has been an exhausting but exhilarating return to the netball courts! The 4th team’s matches have all been very close, with both wins and losses, but the overriding successes has been teamwork and team spirit, with players being prepared to play any position in order to help the team! Thank you to all the support from the sidelines!
From Naomi Sanders
On a personal note, I would just like to thank all the girls who have played Netball, not only over the past year, but over the past 18 years in my role as Head of Netball. They have all been exceptional and have made my job such an enjoyable one. I would also like to personally thank all the Netball staff for their support over the years too, they have been amazing and have helped Netball at Woodbridge to go from strength to strength. Also to all the parents for their cheering from the sidelines too – we couldn’t do it without your support. Lastly, a massive thank you to Sara Richardson for all her organisation and support over the years; we would be lost without her!
