By Miss Dunkley, Netball Coach

Last Friday our Under 14 netball team was due to travel to Condover Hall in Shropshire for the GSA (Girls School Association) Cup to compete against schools from all over the country. However, the word unprecedented once again came to mind when there were so many possibilities that the trip would not be going ahead due to the ongoing worldwide situation!

Even on the morning of our departure we found out that we were another squad player down, but undaunted two teachers and an eight player squad left school for the four hour journey to Condover, all thinking how on earth will we get through this weekend with such a small squad and so many matches against great teams….

We arrived and checked into our rooms, unpacked and the girls got ready for the evening’s events after dinner…with a motivational talk by England Netball player Natalie Panagarry followed by lots of fun playing Lazer Maze!

On Saturday we had six games against Withington, Marist, St Cat’s B, JAGS, Wimbledon, and City of London. Losing only two out of the six matches (injury free) ensured us a position in the Cup Section of Sunday’s tournament. The late afternoon and evening saw more fun with opportunities to try abseiling or take part in the silent disco!

On Sunday we faced Tormead, LEH, St Georges, Heathfield A, Streatham & Clapham and City of London.  Our girls, drove down the court, changed direction, intercepted continuously and, of course, shot some spectacular goals….   Losing only one game to LEH on the day… 

The atmosphere was very tense when the tour operators announced the winners of the cup section….. NOTTING HILL & EALING HIGH SCHOOL!!!

The 8-girl team did NHEHS proud and special recognition must go to the rest of the team who could not travel and consistently sent ‘good luck’ and ‘play well wishes.’

The welcome home from parents when we arrived back at school Sunday evening made us feel like royalty!!

Well done to everyone!