On Friday 16th December, Enniskillen Royal once again took to the courts in Lisnaskea. On this occasion, it was the Year 11 Netball tournament. The girls have been very committed to their Thursday practices, making the weekly commute from LS to CC without complaint. Unfortunately, through injury or illness, we were missing 3 of our usual players – Sasha Milne, Sarah Appleton and Victoria Meikleham. Hopefully they will all make a speedy recovery.
The number of teams was diminished for this Blitz due to many Christmas commitments for all the local schools, however, this in no way detracted from the tournament itself. Each school fought hard and played some excellent Netball.
It was decided to play 2 rounds, so each school would play each other twice. Games were to be 2 halves consisting 6 mins each. This meant for some very tiring play, as invariably, one school would always be playing two matches back-to-back.
Enniskillen Royal’s first match was against Erne Integrated, it was a good opener, and gave the girls a strong start as they won 7-0; both Mya Binnom and Kacy Robinson expertly putting the goals away. Immediately, they then faced Fivemiletown. This was such a close game with two very equally matched teams. The play was very much end-to-end with both teams really wanting the win. Play in the midfield was excellent, with Trudie McComb, Hannah Davis-Kunze, Elise Black, Mya Binnom and Abi Dane linking superbly to ensure the ball reached our Shooting circle. Equally, Laura McCutcheon and Abi Dane worked well together in defence, winning many tussles, but unfortunately, the final score was 5-4 in Fivemiletown’s favour. Fivemiletown then went on to play and defeat Erne Integrated 7-0, leaving them leaders at the end of the first round.
The second round began, but our girls had a rockier start. Once again, we faced Erne Integrated, but we didn’t settle well in the first half, allowing EIC to put in 2 goals to our 3 in the first half, and 1 to our 4 in the second half. We still won the match leaving us with the win 7-3. Tiredness was beginning to take its toll.
With our second game against Fivemiletown, the girls were hyped. They desperately wanted to win this match. It turned out to be quite physical, even though Netball is a non-contact sport! The first half was full of missed scoring opportunities on both parts; towards the end of the first half, we were 2-1 down when Caoimhe Clarke scored a beautiful goal to leave us level at half time.
The second half began and once again, both teams were all out to claim the title. Tiredness was evident in both teams, leading to interceptions or missed shots. Fivemiletown regained the lead, and then increased it, leading 4-2. Enniskillen, then claimed one back, so 4-3 – hope was still there until a final goal was scored by Fivemiletown just at the close of the match. This left them winners by 5-3.
The final match for Fivemiletown would seal the ‘deal’! This they managed, but the score line wasn’t as big, 5-0, as Erne Integrated had really gotten a feel for the matches thereby improving their play.
The final placings were:
Fivemiletown – 1st
Enniskillen Royal – 2nd
Erne Integrated – 3rd
Congratulations to all the teams.
Team: – GK – Laura McCutcheon
GD – Abi Dane
WD – Elise Black/Caoimhe Clarke
C – Trudie McComb
WA – Hannah Davis-Kunze
GA – Mya Binnom
GS – Kacy Robinson
