On Monday 3rd February, the Senior First Netball team went on a road trip to Brighton to take on Brighton College in the Quarter Final of the National Sisters ‘n’ Sport Netball Cup Competition.
After an early start at 7.00am, the girls were in high spirits and the parents in fine form. The girls were jubilantly singing and chatting about what might lie ahead. On arrival to the University of Sussex (the location of the match), the team went for a walk to stretch their legs. Lunch in the university café provided time to study and focus on their targets for the match, and prepare mentally for the challenge ahead. It was soon time for the team talk and warm-up and then it was the whistle to start the game…
The first quarter saw high error rates from both sides, but it was Badminton that took the lead and capitalised 3-0 early on. However, some great defensive work from Brighton College ensured they pulled back level by mid-way through the quarter and it was their speed of ball that caught Badminton off guard. By the end of the first quarter, Brighton were leading 9-5.
The second quarter saw a slick attacking end for Brighton, moving the ball at speed around the circle edge to make it almost impossible to turn over the ball. However, some excellent defensive pressure ensured Brighton did not run away with the score and at Half Time, the score was 20-11 to Brighton.
The third quarter saw different combinations taking to the court, and some great play in attack and defence by both teams saw a much more even game. However, some silly errors bringing the ball through court cost Badminton as Brighton begun to stretch their lead to 31-14.
The final quarter saw Badminton step up the pace and come out to play, putting out some of their best Netball to date. They offloaded the ball with better precision and defended hard to turn over ball throughout the court, capitalising at crucial times. In attack, the shooters were clinical in their efforts, the mid-court accurate in their release and defence exceptional in their pressure to dominate the circle.
The overall score finished with a 42-26 win to Brighton who move through to the Semi Final stages to take on Worthing College.
Although the victory went to a deserving opposition, it was always going to be a tough call playing against a team comprised of England Under 19 Pathway players. Our girls did themselves proud and stood up to the test against an extremely talented opposition. Despite the loss and score line, these girls really have made their mark in Netball and have truly put Badminton School on the map for this sport.
To finish in the top eight in the UK for this national competition is a remarkable achievement. We cannot express how proud we are of these girls and want to thank them for their efforts and belief in making new history, and setting new heights for others to aspire to at Badminton School.
Ms Elsley
Assistant Director of Sport
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