U12 Squad                                                                    U12B Team for Daneshill Match

IAPS National Netball Finals

Saturday 13th March 2010

Roedean School, Brighton

Team: Captain Georgina Walton, Catherine Allum, Sophie Corner, Arabella Nunn, Coco Thompson, Darcy Coop, Menna Braithwaite, Eloise Rimmer and Katie Dennison

This was a tough day. Not only did the girls have to pull out all the stops from the very first whistle but they learnt that netball is not a game for the faint hearted. Even in this ‘non-contact’ sport, the girls have to learn to stand up to their opponents, ignore the knocks and shocks and just go for the ball. The Millfield GK certainly gave Sophie a taste of competition and the GS in our final match made Eloise think she had been in a wrestling bout!

Foremarke Hall     Won 6-4

Millfield School      Drew 4-4

Orwell Park            Lost 9-11

Winchester House Lost 5-7

Brighton College    Lost 4-12

Twyford School      Lost 2-5

Millfield and Brighton College both went through to the semi-finals so the girls should be extremely proud of their performance. We have plenty to work upon but the girls are determined to return next year with a slicker performance.

My player of the tournament was Georgina Walton. She was outstanding throughout the day and led the squad by example.

Thank you to Mrs Creighton who gave valuable support to the girls and me throughout the day.

Another large thank you to all the parents, not only for all the cheering from the sideline but for all the wonderful goodies that were consumed!

Well done girls!

IAPS NETBALL TOURNAMENT

Friday 6th March

Team: Kitty Allum (Captain), Sophie Corner, Arabella Nunn, Darcy Coop, Menna Braithwaite, Georgina Walton, Eloise Rimmer, Coco Thompson and Katie Dennison

It was a good day for netball, blue blue sky but chilly. The girls were eager to get off the mark and were holding their own against Spratton Hall(2-5) but nerves got the better of the team and  our ball would just not go through the net. In trying to catch up, the team panicked and gave away several careless passes. We lost vital minutes in the next game against Heath Mount due to the lack of an umpire but EH looked more settled and we saw some great passing and movement down the court. On the final whistle we were 1-2 down but this game looked like it could have gone either way.

The team really started to pull together as we faced our next opponents. Georgina and Eloise worked well together in defence and quickly got the ball out of the circle to Menna and again we saw some precision passing into the D. Sophie and Kitty were getting their eye in and we came away with a 5-1 win v Chesham Prep.  Godstowe are well known for their tradition of playing excellent netball and had not lost a game that morning but this was the turning point in our team. The whole team worked 110% for possession of the ball, passed quickly and carefully and got their timing absolutely spot on!!  Our defending stepped up a notch and we stuck to our opponents like glue. This was the most fantastic win and I was so so proud of these girls, this was the team that I knew had the potential to play to a high standard. Now we just had to do it again…and again…

Abberley Hall  were our last opposition of the qualifying rounds but we kept up the pressure from the last match and had another great game with the final score 6-3. Darcy and Arabella were by now working extremely well getting the centre passes swiftly out and into the circle. They backed up well around the D and gave first-rate support to the shooters.

We had an agonising wait of nearly an hour to find out whether we had qualified for the play-offs. We had drawn in points with Abberley Hall but ended up going through on goal average. There was great jubilation but the team had to compose themselves for a match against our old rivals –

St. Andrew’s , Pangbourne. We had never beaten this side…….up till now! Such a fantastic game to watch. The girls played with drive and determination, great spacing and sharp timing. The defence were superb giving our attack yet more opportunities for shots at goal. Our final game was against Highfield – this was for a place at the National finals at Roedean. The girls went onto the court knowing exactly what they had to do and I just stood silently(well nearly!)and watched as these teams  played a most superb game of netball. All the girls had a brilliant game but one in particular stood out.  This game belonged to Georgina. Her eye for the interception was amazing, she seemed to appear from nowhere to turn over the ball and send it back to our attack, often spotting the opportunity for that long pass into the circle. The score was 5-4 in our favour and a place at the IAPS finals!

Well done everyone but in particular to our reserves Coco and Katie who only got to play minimal netball throughout the day. This is the hardest thing to do; stand on the sideline and wish you were playing. Thank you girls for doing that, without you there, knowing you can step into every position and play great netball is the best support. We really appreciate it.

Thank you to all the parents for their support throughout the day.

Wednesday 10th March v Highfield

Lost 13-7

Player of the Match: Georgina Walton

There was none of the spirit and determination from EH as was evident in their final game against the same team at the IAPS last Friday. The first quarter looked promising with good movement, finishing on 2 each. We had had several opportunities at goal but we must be able to capitalise on these. As Highfield started to pull away as their shots were hitting the target, we started to panic and didn’t take care of the ball.

A change of team did not help the rhythm of play that the girls have developed over the last few weeks but that is why the reserves are so important. They have to be able to don a bib and slot in. Coco’s play is improving match by match; she is positioning extremely well and supporting the shooters. Katie is strong in defence and uses her height to her advantage. Menna was unsure about centre but she has good skills and her movement improved so much throughout the game.

Georgina had her work cut out playing against an extremely talented GA but they were a good match for each other, both of them having to work hard for the ball.

The final quarter was our best where our heads went up and I could begin to see some of the desire for the ball that we have witnessed from this side. Communication between Kitty and Sophie was much improved.

I have no doubt that these girls will be able to reproduce their best performances on Saturday.  Good luck girls!

Wednesday 4th March

Eagle House U12A v Yateley Manor

Lost 12-21

Player of the Match: Darcy Coop

This was purposely going to be a tough match as the YM team only had three U12 players and the rest were U13. Even so, the girls looked lacklustre with no drive and determination; it was not a good performance at all. There were moments during the game that we saw glimpses of the talent that is this team but the majority of the time there were too many basis errors being made unnecessarily. WE HAVE TO LOOK AFTER THE BALL NOT THROW IT AWAY.

This was obviously the bad dress rehearsal before the glitzy performance or just a wake up call.

There is not any more I wish to say about this game as I’m writing it in hindsight and know exactly how this team can perform – superbly – but it is up to them.

U12 A V The Oratory

Wednesday 24th February

Won 19 -2

Player of the Match: Darcy Coop

The girls put out a very strong performance against a less experienced side. It was good to see their confidence grow as they demonstrated good body control and strong passing. Movement on the court and a greater understanding of their position has helped them create spaces in which to drive for the pass. Eloise and Georgina were stirling in defence, Georgina very aware of the use of a long pass to swiftly clear the ball out of the circle. Menna worked well in centre court bringing the ball to the attack. Arabella has to improved her positioning around the circle and was always on hand to give back up to the shooters. Kitty and Sophie played hard in the circle, giving each other short, quick passes to get the ball closer to the goal. Darcy linked centre court well, her strong passes into the circle gave the shooters good opportunity to score.

The whistle was blown too much for our obstruction so that is something we have to put right by next week!

Thank you to the parents for their support on the sideline.

U12B v The Oratory

Wednesday 24th February

Lost 1-7

Player of the Match: Katie Dennison

Coach's player: Jenny Edwards

This was a much more even game despite the score, as due to several injured girls at the Oratory this was the same team that played the A team. There was some great movement and passing down the court, but unfortunately we couldn't covert our opportunities into goals. Lana had a difficult job getting around her player as she positioned very well but she did get some great interceptions. Katie was quick to move the ball down the court and available to support to the attacking third. Lucinda has taken to GA very well, timing her drive onto the ball and always moving to space. Laura had good movement in the circle but was having a 'butterfingers' day. Jemima and Coco worked well together as  C and WA, they had good movement around the circle and gave the shooters good opportunities.

The last 7 minutes of the game saw The Oratory U13/12A team come onto the court who were physically stronger and faster. The game picked up a pace but we were more than ready for them with some absolutely fantastic interceptions from Jenny. She was 'Superwoman' on the court and made her opposition wonder what she had to do to receive the ball! As a newcomer to netball, this was a great performance from Jenny. Coco moved to centre and also picked up her game, demonstrating excellent positioning and movement.

All in all this was a good game and I was extremely pleased with the improvement they have all made. Thank you to the Mummies who cheered from the sidelines.

U12 Cranleigh Netball Tournament

Wednesday 3rd February

Won 2    Drew 1   Lost 2

Team: Captain Georgina Walton, Kitty Allum, Sophie Corner, Coco Thjompson, Darcy Coop, Menna Braithwaite, Eloise Rimmer & Katie Dennison

After having to reroute due to road closure, sit at the wrong set of netball courts, not even a groundsman  knew where to direct us, we eventually arrived at the venue. We were up for a stiff afternoon of play as many of our opposition are known to be strong netball schools.

Eh started out strongly in their first match, the progress that they have all made was evident to see. The girls created space for themselves, for the team and their timing was more accurate. Kitty and Sophie worked well together, keeping good eye contact and getting the ball close to the goal. Darcy and Coco moved well around the circle, giving the shooters back up and support. An excellent first half but Farlington returned with more determination and desire and started closing the gap quite quickly. This made us panic and muddle in the centre third. Luckily we had enough goals to hold onto our win.

Our next game against Windlesham House was really hard fought. The defence on both teams worked really hard gaining many interceptions with Georgina playing particularly well against an excellent player. She marked her very closely which really put the GA off her stride. Georgina then dictated the play in the centre court setting up the pass into the circle. Our shooters were put under a lot of pressure so we did not convert as many of our opportunities. A draw was a good result as we went into the second half 0-0.

Out third match was not a good one for different reasons. The game was physical and unfortunately the umpiring was below par, therefore the girls were not pulled up for contact. Our defence worked very hard but it was a loosing battle. Shortly before half-time Georgina was on the floor with an elbow injury and scrapes, not to return to the tournament. For the girls this was a real blow as Georgina has become a mainstay of the team. Katie came on and played hard as GD but this was not our game.

Straight from one court to another is not always good but we came to face with Cranleigh who are an extremely agile and athletic side. With our heads down, this was a very lack lustre match. We did not make the most of our shooting opportunities even though Coco had a brilliant game showing intelligent positioning and passing into the circle. Darcy sustained a thumb injury so was bravely playing with one and a half hands.

Our final game against Christ Hospital was much improved, the positioning was better and passing harder and stronger. The shooting was not as accurate as it should have been but we did manage to convert enough shots to win the game. Eloise and Menna had particularly strong games working well together to get the ball out of the defending third.

There’s has been so much improvement in this team in just a few short weeks. There’s lots of work to do but I’m sure this will be a very successful side. They have much talent and are starting to believe in themselves.

Thank you to the parents who braved the wet and cold to support the girls and bring extra sustenance!

Wednesday 27th January

U12/13 v Pangbourne College

Won 13-3

We had had our hockey match cancelled so Pangbourne College sent another team to us to help us fill the gap. Unfortunately we were way out of their league so this game turned into a coaching game. Pangbourne girls had relatively little or no experience in match play so I added in a few rules of our own. Both teams were short of a player and playing with 6 on the court. EH had a goal of really moving into space for the ball and always passing ahead of the moving player. This game gave them the chance to practise just that. It was wonderful to see the attacking trio of Jemima, Coco and Laura moving well, their passes were so much stronger and more accurate. Ashleigh Bishop was barred from shooting so Laura and Lucinda had be on their toes, moving well around their players. Again this was an excellent opportunity to put their skills into practise. It was also very commendable that our year 8 girls were very sympathetic towards the Pangbourne girls and gave them help and coaching tips throughout the game.

Well done girls, and thank you to the parents for their support from the sideline.

Wednesday 27th January

U12A v Pangbourne College

Won 21-4

Report by U12 Girls

We played an excellent game against Pangbourne College U12. Our team has improved a lot since our last match. At the end of the first quarter we came out with a convincing 8-1 to  us. The shooters, Kitty and Eloise worked really well together in the circle, the consequences being tha we scored a lot more goals. The defence, Katie, Menna and Georgie worked really hard on close marking and so keeping the ball away from the opposition's attacker. Many a ball was turned over and sent to our attack. Darcy, centre and Arabella worked up and down the middle setting up a lot of successful attacks.

At half-time our score was well into double digits and we all had to change positions to give the girls a chance. Unfortunately the GA from Pangbourne fell over towards the end of the game so we had to end the game early. By the end of the game the score was 21-4 to us!

Team: Eloise, Kitty, Arabella, Darcy, Menna, Georgina and Katie

Saturday 23rd January

U12 v Lord Wandsworth College

Won 9-4 (2-1)(3-0)(3-1)(1-2)

Player of the Match: Katie Dennison

Coach's player: Arabella Nunn

Unfortunately this had to be a much shortened game due to the late arrival of our opponents evenso t turned out to be most enjoyable with some good netball on show. The team had worked hard on a couple of set pieces and I was so pleased that they remembered to incorporate them into this game.

Jemima's passing was more accurate which helped Coco to receive a good pass. Coco also demonstrated great positioning so could really drive onto the ball. Lord Wandsworth passed the ball very quickly down the court consequently Menna and Katie were able to take advantage of several inaccurate passes, intercepting them cleanly and sending them back down the court. The second quarter Eagle House really picked up the defence. Unfortunately for our opposition, their shooters were not having a good day so we had many opportunities to work on our back line pass. With Lana giving a much stronger pass out, these worked very well and the ball was soon up the court. The game continued in a similar vein with EH being the more dominant side, demonstrating body control and accurate passing on the whole. With nine players on the squad there were a few changes in centre court with Arabella playing C and WD with equal ease.

I was very pleased with everyone's performance but especially Arabella for her centre court play and Laura in the circle who worked hard to receive the ball in front of her defence.

Team: Lana Milner, Katie Dennison, Menna Braithwaite, Jemima Rawding, Coco Thompson, Kitty Allum, Lucinda Brooker, Laura Neat & Arabella Nunn

Wednesday 9th December

U12/13B v Highfield

Lost 7-2

Player of the Match: Jaya Baxter

This was a closely fought game throughout with scores staying very even until the final quarter. EH proved to be strong in defense with some excellent interceptions from Katie with Jaya well positioned to receive the ball quickly out of the D. Lana's long reach certainly helped to keep many a shot away from the ring. In the centre court the ball moved freely but there were some mistakes from both teams when the ball was passed too quickly or the move onto the ball made too early. Jemima and Alys demonstrated good balance and body control, linking the ball from the defense to the attack. There was much better movement from Laura who drove out of the circle for the ball but Holly needed to hold her space for the ball instead of dodging. She needs to make use of those long legs and arms to jump for the ball. Substitutes Lucinda and Amaya both had good games, Lucinda as WA and Amaya making wonderful interceptions as WD. Jaya performed well as C for the final quarter linking the ball up the court.

It was a great effort by all the squad, we just need to get those opportunities of shots converted into goals.

Thank you to all the parents who traveled all the way to Highfield to give their support to the girls.

Wednesday 9th December

U12A v Highfield

Lost 19-7

Player of the Match: Georgina Walton

This was a frustrating game to watch and again the score does not reflect the game. We lost heavily during the first quarter mainly due to our mistakes and innaccurate shooting. We have to learn to give precise passes to our shooters, the more opportunities thay have to score the better. The second quarter was a great improvement with both sides scoring four goals. The defence team of Georgina, Eloise and Menna did a stirling job in making Highfield attack really work for the ball and 'held ball' was called in our favour several times. Georgina's close marking and interceptions gave their talented GA a very hard time. Third quarter saw some great movement and passing from EH, their timing and spacing was better and as they gave each other room to drive onto the ball we played a more attacking game, keeping the score at just 1-2 down. When the final quarter came we just could not get the ball into the net and in our panic made several silly errors, their GA missing only twice during the whole game.

Highfield selected Georgina as their player of the match and I wholly agree. Georgina displayed a great maturity of play, with excellent defence and sound skills. I would also like to give credit to Arabella whose skills are improving game by game.

It is disappointing not to have higher scores but on the court the girls play is improving.This is a squad so until we have a few more games under our belt there will be substitutions at each quarter but the girls must not be disheartened at this.

Wednesday 2nd December

Eagle House U12A'sv St. Andrew’s, Pangbourne

  Lost 6-11

Player of the Match: Darcy Coop & Eloise Rimmer

This score does not reflect a game which was extremely closely fought. St. Andrew’s are an established, successful side who are nimble over the court and have safe hands with the ball. We, on the other hand, have five new players in our squad and this was their first proper ‘outing’.

The first quarter was ours with good attacking play and conversion of our opportunities at goal. The next two quarters were too fast and furious; consequently we made many errors mostly due to crowding and not giving our team members room to receive the ball. Timing the drive and placement of the ball is crucial if we are to avoid any interceptions. We had frequent opportunities to score but St. Andrew’s defence were strong and gained many rebounds that should have been ours. St. A’s converted their shots into goals.

We picked up a final goal in the last quarter with a wonderful series of passes off an interception by our defence. This really showed the potential of this team as it was textbook netball.

Darcy and Eloise were selected as players of the match by St. Andrew’s. It was one of Darcy’s best performances, who moved well into space with great timing and accurate passing. Eloise worked hard in defence intercepting many a ball with good use of her arms to deflect the pass into the circle.

I would also like to mention Kitty and Georgina who played tirelessly throughout the game, always with control and accuracy.

Well done to all this squad, lots of skills to work on but I ‘m looking forward to this immensely!

Thank you to all the parents for their valuable support on the sideline.

Wednesday 2nd December

Eagle House U12B's v St Andrews, Pangbourne

Won 7 - 6

E

Wednesday 4th November U13/12 v Leighton Park  Won 16 - 2

Player of the match: Kitty Allum & Amaya Enriquez

Coach's player: Menna Braithwaite

The rain did nothing to inspire this promising side with EH getting off to a pretty ropey start. The ball was fumbled and the passing inaccurate. We seemed to forget our positioning and frequently created a muddle in the centre third. This was the same for both teams, consequently the ball was intercepted many times at both ends. Despite this lackluster start, EH took advantage of LP's weak defense and managed to put on six goals. Kitty & Holly began to work well together in the circle with Holly gaining some very useful rebounds. LP came back fighting in the second quarter. They made a series of quick passes down the court but Menna and Eloise read the ball well and put up some great defense. Laura played well as WD, a new position for her. She opened up the court wide and got the ball safely away from our goal. Menna intercepted several balls heading into the circle.

The rain really started to fall at the start of the third quarter so our hosts decided to make this the final one. Heidi had settled in well as centre linking the passes up the court, also providing the shooters with many opportunities to score. EH worked well as a team with several series of passes down the court, ending with a goal.

Well done girls for persevering on such a cold and wet miserable afternoon. Delicious sausages, beans and chips though - thank you Leighton Park.

Thank you also to all the mummys who braved the wet and cold to stand on the sideline.

Wednesday 14th October U13B V Hall Grove 2nds Lost 7-12

Woman of the match - Menna

The Eagle House girls played very well against generally older opposition. Their footwork was good and their passing accurate. Catherine had a positive game and worked well on court but it was unfortunate that some of her shots didn't drop in. Laura was unlucky to be against a stronger opponent who made life difficult for her. When Lucinda came on she worked tirelessly for her team. Amaya was nervous to start with but her confidence really grew as the game went on. Holly proved that she has the ability to both defend and attack but needs to work a little on her accuracy when shooting. Eloise's height was a real asset to the team but she needs to develop her confidence and attack the ball. Alys and Jaya worked hard in the centre of the court with Jaya, as captain, giving great encouragement to her team. Menna had a great game and was voted as woman of the match by the opposition. Well done, girls. A hard match against a more experienced and older team.

Wednesday 7th October

A number of the U12 girls played in the U13B team V Yateley Manor U13A.  Please see the U13 Netball Team Blog for details.

Wednesday 30th September V Daneshill Drew 6-6

Oppositions choice for player of the Match: Eloise Rimmer

Wednesday 16th September v Dolphin   Won 11 - 1

Player of the Match: Kitty Allum

Such a positive start! I’m sure that any onlooker would not have thought that this was the first time this group of girls had played together. They all had an extremely positive attitude from the outset, transferring this into their game. There were changes at each quarter which the girls took in their stride.

 Movement onto the ball was good but initially there was too much of a ‘mess’ in the centre third with too many players offering for the ball. After the first team talk this began to improve with the girls playing more to their position and so were in a space ready to drive onto the ball. Play off the ball improved dramatically in the final quarter with the girls learning to draw their  defence away from the ball.

All team members played well, all have personal skills which need some focus but this was a great first game and I am really looking forward to the season ahead. It seems too early to mention names as the whole squad worked hard together but Kitty Allum was named player of the match by  Dolphin and Georgina Walton played an extremely good game against a girl who has selected for the Berkshire Academy.

Well done under 12’s!

Eagle House School, Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 8PH

Tel: 01344 772134 Fax: 01344 779039

email: info@eaglehouseschool.com