The Under 16 Netball team went up to Rugby School on Saturday for the ISA Nationals Netball Tournament.  Arriving at school at 6.30am on a Saturday morning shows real commitment by these girls!  They are a superb team, who have worked so well together over the years and they wanted to give the Nationals a go.

Four hours later we arrived at Rugby School, glad to get off the mini bus and stretch out; we made our way to the tournament. On arrival at the courts, we realised we had a mighty challenge on our hands; the competition level was very strong, teams had their school flags around the court or in the case of the Welsh school the national flag was up!  We were set in two pools and already it seemed though we were in the stronger one! We had time to study the other teams playing and warmed up in preparation for our first game against Princethorpe. We were nervous in this game and after the first half, I could see that the girls were ready to push forward and raise their game. Although it was too late to come back and win this match, I came off with sights that they could perhaps win a couple.

Our next match against Bolitho school was the turning point of the afternoon for us. They dived in with all guns a blazing to succeed, but we still found ourselves down at half time. Not to be defeated, they again moved up another notch and turned the match around to win 8-7. They were ecstatic!

Our next match was against St Michaels and this was to prove to be too strong for us. They were so quick, strong and tall that we rather lost the momentum in this match and lost it 11-1.

Our fourth match was crucial for us, as we had won one match, if we could win another we could be in the 3^rd or 2^nd play offs. Our opponents Dixie Grammar School were also determined to win this game! We changed the team around a little and set forth in the game with real determination. The scores were level at half time, so work was needed to push forward. I cannot tell you how hard they pushed for this game, they held their nerve, not making errors in passing and secured victory with 4 more goals. Brilliant!

We found ourselves in 3^rd place in the pool and in for a play off for 5^th or 6^th place in the Tournament. This was far more than ever of us ever hoped for.  Our match was against High Clere School. Now getting very tense and the girls so wanted to perhaps represent Shoreham for the last time with a victory. Half time saw us 2-2. It was nearly too much for Indianna’s father, Lesley (our amazing driver) and Gary (our co-pilot) to cope with, let alone my heart rate! Into the second half, they pushed for all they were worth and with a minute left the scores were 5-5 but with our superb defending, we got the ball back twice, passed it back in our circle to score two stunning goals to win the game. Never have I been so relieved and the girls were just over the moon to say the least! It felt though we had won the tournament!

After a long journey home, superbly driven by Lesley, where we were all too excited to sleep, we arrived back safely at school.  I cannot congratulate these girls enough for their determination and team spirit over the years, this day said it all. A day I hope will be remembered by us all.