On Wednesday 30th March, the Junior Netball Team faced a new opponent when they met Sacred Heart College, Newry in the final of their N.I. League matches. Unbeknownst to us, this school has a strong history with this competition in all of it’s Year groups.
Having played a friendly match against Fivemiletown the day before, the squad were in pretty good spirits upon arrival at the school. As they walked towards the Sportshall, you could see that the girls were becoming a little intimidated despite the friendly welcome.
Nevertheless, the team warmed up and readied themselves for the match. Due to injury, our GA, Eve Balfour was unable to play but was giving valuable support from the side.
On court, We started the game with first centre pass. The teams were feeling each other out in the first few minutes, neither looking the stronger. AS the quarter progressed, despite many attempts, we couldn’t get the ball into the net. Sacred Heart managed to, 4 times. Finally, just before the whistle, Maria Bullock slotted a goal in. 4-1.
After this initial quarter, Sacred Heart had the measure of us and surged forwards. We were not gelling well in this game at all. The team were missing Eve, and the sheer strength of Sacred Heart made it very hard for the girls to play the Netball they are capable of.
By the end of the game, the team had succumbed to a 26-2 defeat. Despite this score – there was some fabulous Netball being played, so the team has no reason to feel downhearted.
Squad:
- Emma Fawcett
- Jessica Foy
- Chloe Robinson
- Yoly Brannigan
- Eva Howe
- Maria Bullock
- Anna Cairns
- Jodie Thompson
- Lucie-Anne Abbott
- Lauren McCordick
- Eloise McDonagh
- Emily McFarland
- Eve Balfour
- Ellie Dunlop
- Caitlin Kelly
