By Iris C and Adeline M-S , Year 11

On Sunday 29th January the U16 netball team made the trip down to Shirley High School in Surrey in order to compete in the regional round of the National school’s netball tournament. We turned up in high spirits and were ready to play. We played a total of seven matches and won six of those seven. With short seven-minute halves and not much time in between each game it was a gruelling but thrilling event. We congratulated each other after every goal; supported each other from the side-lines and shouted encouragement and advice throughout. The team consisted of members from both years 10 and 11: Iris (Captain), Addy (Vice-captain), Eliza, Ella, Mim, Hope, Sophia, Jasmin, Jaspreet, Julia, Morven, Georgia and Dana.

Although our one loss against St Catherine’s temporarily knocked our spirits, we were quick to pick ourselves and each other up. After that match, we knew that if we lost any more matches, we would not be going to nationals. This information spurred us on until our match against City of London. It would have been a similar fate to the St Catherine’s match as we were down 8-2 in the first half. Miraculously, we managed to turn this score around to a startling 10-9 meaning we still had a chance!

We thought that due to our one loss that we would inevitably come in second place. Although this would still get us to Nationals it would have been an unsatisfying outcome. However, when St Catherine’s name was called for second and we were in disbelief. A wave of excitement overcame the team as we cheered and collected our trophy. The last time Notting Hill & Ealing went to Nationals was four years ago and we hope we can continue to make our school proud by bringing home another trophy.