After months of training and preparation the Norwich School Under 19 Netball squad travelled to the venue of their Regional victory to contest the Nationals Schools Finals this past weekend. Despite an injury to defender, Izzy Barclay, ruling her out of contention, the squad were all excited and buzzing on the day.

Our first game was against last years winners, GSAL, which saw play go goal for goal for most of the match. We lost the game 9-11 but were still positive as we had had the opportunities to win the game. Another tough game against Barking Abbey School, who boasted Mavericks Superleague and National Academy players, put us to the test physically. Again though we fought to the end and lost out by only three goals.

These two tough games took their toll on the squad mentally and we then lost our subsequent two matches to Wrekin College and Holy Cross. In these games we struggled to string together phases of play and maintain possession leading to a lack of shooting opportunities.

A quick rally round and we were determined to tackle the final four games in a more positive manner. We went on to record good wins against Ratcliffe and Truro and Penwith and also a tight one goal win versus Yarm.

Our final game was against a physically opposing Hurstpierpoint and wasn't the end we hoped for and we ended the day with a loss.

We finished the day 11th in the country, which matches our finish from last year. The performance was at times brilliant but we failed to maintain consistency throughout the games which would've enabled us to push higher up the placings.

Player of the day goes to Phoebe Crane who stepped into the GK position at late notice and truly led the team from the back.

Ultimately the team are slightly disappointed with the final result, only because they have so much potential. We want to strive to be the best not only in our region, but in the whole country.

Both Mrs Swinborne and Mrs Ashton are extremely proud of the girls and are already looking forward to next year and the continued success they are sure this group of girls will bring. Thank you to Miss Figgitt, Mrs Norton and all the supporters who provided great team spirit through the day.