Netball players from St Mary’s Calne are celebrating a successful day at the North Wiltshire Area Netball Tournament, with one team crowned winners and another earning a place at the Wiltshire Tournament.
More than 30 girls represented the school across four teams at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, competing against schools including Stonar, Corsham, Malmesbury, Hardenhuish, Abbeyfield, Sheldon and Kingsbury Green.
The U16A side finished second overall after recovering from an opening 7-5 defeat against eventual winners Stonar to win all of their remaining matches. Their performance secured qualification for the next stage of the competition at the Wiltshire Tournament.
Mabel R was named both Players’ Player and Coaches’ Player following an impressive display of movement and shooting, while Lyla B made her debut as captain. Flo M was also praised for stepping up to play above her age group.
Fearne Maine, Head of Netball at St Mary’s Calne, said the tournament had featured “energy, enthusiasm and some brilliant performances”.
She added that it had been particularly pleasing to see the pupils “working together, supporting one another and giving their all on court”.
There was further success for the school’s U14 teams. The U14A side, competing together at a tournament for the first time, recorded two wins and a draw on their way to an impressive third-place finish.
Meanwhile, the U14B team played seven matches back-to-back, winning five and drawing one to finish as winners of the U14 B competition and return to school with medals.
The U14C team also competed in the B competition, with players taking on a variety of positions throughout the day. Their determination and versatility helped them secure third place.
Fearne said all four teams could be proud of their performances, with the tournament providing another opportunity for the girls to develop their skills, compete against other local schools and enjoy playing as part of a team.
The U16A squad will now look forward to representing St Mary’s Calne at the Wiltshire Tournament.
