Northampton High School’s U16 Netball team has already enjoyed a stellar start to the 2019/20 season. As a result of being crowned County Champions in November, the School team qualified for the Regional Finals, and a squad full of optimism travelled to Leicester last Saturday to test themselves against the best players in the region.
The girls knew that progression to the final of this tournament would see them qualify for the National Finals, and the squad arrived at Soar Valley determined to reach their goal. Inspired and driven, the team fought back from a 4-goal deficit to draw 11-11 against a strong Derby High, one of the day’s many highlights, as the girls produced some outstanding Netball to win the remainder of their group games, finishing unbeaten and qualifying for the semi-finals.
The semi-final was a well-fought affair, but the heart and perseverance of the High School girls was too much for their opponents and, with the game going to extra time, the team scored 2 important goals to seal the match, confirming their place in the Regional Final! Unfortunately, Loughborough High just edged the U16 squad out in what was a hotly contested final, but that was not without the best efforts from a very talented squad.
Reaching the final, however, means that qualification for the National Finals is secured – just reward for what has been a remarkable campaign so far for the girls. With the finals taking place on 16 March in Welwyn Garden City, and as the only school from Northamptonshire qualifying for this prestigious tournament, the girls are as determined as ever to work hard and go for gold.
An unbelievable achievement. We are very proud of Mrs Ford and the whole squad’s accomplishments so far; the best of luck for more accolades in March.
