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Netball Under 11 Team 'Blog' 
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Eagle House U11's
Wednesday 17th March U11A vs Lambrook Lost 16 - 5 Player of the match: Caitlyn Earwaker Unfortunately, the U11 A team lost their final match of the season 16 – 5. However, they did not put their heads down. They kept going throughout the game; a couple a missed passes in the centre third lost the team points. Lambrook were a strong and tall team with 2 excellent shooters whom hardly missed a shot. The Alice and Ella played a consistently strong game in defence and towards the end of the game the girls started to play more like a team managing to gain those extra few goals. Caitlyn was excellent running and intercepting the ball also shooting most of the goals beautifully. Well done to Caitlyn as no doubt her constant energy and aggression won her the player of the match.
Wednesday 17th March U11B v Lambrook Won 6 - 3 Player of the Match - Issy Hendry Hurrah! A great match to finish the netball season! Today's game was a pleasure to watch, I really think that the girls played better than they have in any other game all season. They were quiet on court, spaced out and worked in a concentrated and confident way. The ball was passed fluently down the court with very few errors - their spatial awareness seemed to be on top form! Shooting was also good today. Shooting has been a bit of an issue this term with plenty of opportunities but frustratingly not so many goals. Shooting under pressure with good defence is difficult and needs to be practised. Today Miriam and Emily worked as a good partnership - finding the spaces in the D and going for goal wherever possible. Defence was excellent - lots of interceptions. Centre court was tireless too - Clare was extremely useful as WD (a new position for her but one which suits her incredibly well) and Issy, after her last ever match at Eagle House, was deservedly selected as Player of the Match by the Lambrook team. Well done Issy - you have been a constant energetic and hard working force in our team so thank you, we will really miss you - our loss is Devon's gain! Wednesday 10th March 2010 U11B v Highfield Lost 3 - 0 Player of the Match The team's va va voom was not apparent today. It was a disappointing game with little evidence of any of the skills that we have learnt since September. Let's see what you can REALLY do next week please girls! Wednesday 3rd March 2010 U11B v Yateley Manor Lost 4 - 2 Player of the Match - Ella Samuel Yateley Manor girls are always really impressive opponents and with one shooter down, I was a little anxious about this game. The first quarter seemed to be fairly evenly matched with reasonably equal possession of the ball. Despite several attempts by both teams, only one goal was scored and we were losing 1 - 0 after the first 8 minutes. The second quarter saw the Eagle House team battling to retain possession as the Yateley team scored three goals in quick succession. At half time I was impressed to see that the girls were not disheartened but still focused and keen to fight back - if they weren't able to get the goals in they promised at least, not to let the other team score any more goals... True to their word the following 8 minutes were goalless as the U11B team fought hard to defend the opposition's goal circle. And what great defence! Sasha and Ella surpassed themselves intercepting nearly every ball that headed dangerously close to the shooting D. With all the girls working hard - Izzy, particularly, racing all over the court to help shuttle the ball in the right direction - I felt as if we should be catching up, but a few shots at goal felt hurried and were unsuccessful. With everything to play for and still focused, upbeat and determined despite the lack of goals, the team went in for the final 8 minutes. Before heading back to her position as goal shooter, Miriam cheekily asked if she could earn sweets if she scored a goal... I told her to make it two and I might consider it. With energetic help from the rest of her team mates and fellow shooter, the two goals were scored. I was happy with the come back - and relieved that the girls had something to show for their efforts! Things to consider for next week: - Shooters, you are also allowed to jump for rebounds. Also, believe in yourselves - you are good and have all scored plenty of fantastic shots. - Be careful to watch your toes - don't let them inch off side. - Snatch the ball in to yourselves when you catch it to avoid losing possession.
Wednesday 24th February 2010 U11B v Oratory Won 6 – 1 Player of the Match – Emily Symonds It seemed to me that we were probably the stronger side from the beginning of this match yet after the first quarter we were 1 -0 down. Footwork was alarmingly bad and the crowding on court close to dangerous and reminded me of the girls’ game about 18 months ago. We have come a long way since then but at this point the improvement was far from evident! The second quarter, despite the goal was not very impressive either. A half time team talk had never been more necessary; it would be a waste to lose this game. After some carefully chosen words the girls went back to their positions more focused and determined to prove that they can play good netball! The energy was back; balls were leapt for and intercepted, partners marked closely, space dodged into and importantly, goals scored. 3 of them. It was an exciting turn around. Rather too exciting for some who went into over drive for the last quarter forgetting that energy works best on court when teamed with focus and a certain amount of restraint. A couple of minor injuries and some off side incidents were unnecessary but the score rose steadily to a solid victory of 6 – 1. Emily was declared the Player of the Match and the team felt pleased with their performance. Well done girls but remember – FOCUS and on court is as important as skill. When you team the two together 100%, you are a capable team and a pleasure to watch.
Wednesday 24th February 2010 Eagle House U11A v The Oratory Won 11 - 1 Girl of the Game: Josie Lunnon Team: Amynta Rimmer, Alice Jennings, Josie Lunnon, Megan Wilkin, Lucy Whitehead, Caitlyn Earwaker, Ella Dow, Chloe Newland What a performance girls - well done!!! Considering this was your first time all playing together in a proper match situation you all gelled together beautifully. You all started the game really strong, driving the ball down the court, and moving into space and took a commanding 5 - 1 lead with some very accurate shooting from Caitlyn. Our defensive unit was just far too strong for the Oratory girls and they really struggled to get it past all the long arms we had over the ball, it looked even better when you all remembered that you can jump for rebounds! There were a few messy areas on the court at various times and a couple of instances where you were either all round the honey pot or quite the opposite when there simply was no one to pass to, but besides from them it was a fantastic game to watch and umpire and a really good start for next weeks tournament. Josie you had an outstanding game and thoroughly deserved the Man of the Match - well done!
Wednesday 9th December Eagle House v Highfield Lost 4 - 13 Unfortunately the score does not reflect how well you played in this match. Every week I see an improvement in each and everyone of you, but regrettably it does not help if you are missing one of your regular players from the shooting circle. In all of our matches, this term, you appear to give everything in the first quarter, and more often than not are the winners, but then you all seem to loose the momentum and start throwing silly balls and forget to move into a space. This was a prime example of this. When the opposition do start to take a lead this is when you need to step up several gears not the other way round..... so next term we need to try and build on this and try to notch up a few more wins.
Eagle House UllB'sV St Andrew’s, Pangbourne Wednesday 2nd December 2009 Won 6 - 7 Team: Sasha Bogdanenko, Izzy Hendry, Sarah Chapman, Emily Symonds, Octavia Medlock, Tianna Larson, Miriam Dewes, Ella Samuel, Player of the match - Sasha Although the two teams were very evenly matched, Eagle House dominated for the first three quarters and I was impressed with their energetic and focused performance. Sarah worked her socks off, looking for spaces, dodging and shooting six great goals. With Emily happily back shooting, Miriam was back as WD and played a terrific match too. Both Sasha and Octavia shared GK, playing half a match each and both girls earned praise from their team mates for their determined interceptions. Ella is using her height well to leap and intercept and Tianna and Izzy were busy dodging in and out throughout. St Andrew’s came back valiantly in the final quarter nearly equalising the score but in the end the U11 B’s emerged victorious. Well done girls. Still much to practice and improve, many skills to work on and develop but you have come such a long way since last year.
Eagle House U11A's v St Andrew's Pangbourne Wednesday 2nd December 2009 Lost 14 - 8 Team: Alice Jennings, Lucy Whitehead, Chloe Newland, Caitlyn Earwaker, Clare Chummun, Megan Wilkins, Caitlin Mack, Tammy Izzat The score does not reflect how well the Eagle House girls played in this match. There was a remarkable improvement from all of them throughout this match. At the end of the first quarter we were 1 goal in front and the girls, as they should, came off the court feeling very pleased with themselves. St Andrew’s changed gear in the third quarter and stepped up their shooting average where Eagle House struggled to get it into the circle as we reverted back to high loopy passes which were easily intercepted. Girls there seemed to be a lot of team spirit this week and all you showed a lot of drive and determination not only to win but to play consistently well, so well done to you all and please keep it up!
Under 11 v Hawley Place Wednesday 18th November 2009 Lost 7 - 3 Team: Sasha Bogdanenko, Sarah Chapman, Tamara Izzat, Octavia Medlock, Chloe Newland, Megan Wilkins, Tianna Larson, Daisy Robinson Man of the Match - Megan Wilkins Well done to all the girls named above for not being off school today with an illness. The U11 squad was heavily depleted to minimum numbers for todays match but you all played really well and bonded well as a team even though you have had very little training together. Once the game was under way it was great to see that both teams were fairly evenly matched, so it was a good game to watch from the sidelines. Sarah took control in the attacking circle and shot brilliantly with good back up from Chloe and Megan. Daisy made quite a few interceptions in our defending third which really helped turn the ball around. One thing we must remember girls is that we must move into a space instead of standing still and asking for a ball as we lost alot of passes this way. On the whole this was a very pleasing performance girls - so well done!
Under 11A's v Hall Grove Wednesday 14th October 2009 Lost 13 - 3 Team: Alice Jennings, Lucy Whitehead, Chloe Newland, Caitlyn Earwaker, Clare Chummun, Megan Wilkins, Caitlin Mack, Maria Martinez-Iborra This was a game with a lot of high points but unfortunately also a few low points. Hall Grove were obviously a very experienced team and moved the ball well down the court and into their shooting circle with ease, giving them a 4 – 0 lead within the first couple of minutes. This seemed to throw the Eagle House girls into a frenzy and you all started to chase the ball around the court and not really focus on your own game. In the second quarter you regrouped and it was a much better performance from you all. The defensive unit worked well and picked off a lot of the feeds into the circle and our attack moved the ball quickly down the court. Half time score – 7 – 2 to Hall Grove. Hall Grove made a couple of positional changes at half time and continued to out play our girls, final score 13 – 3.
Under 11 Bs v Yately Manor Wednesday 7th October 2009 Drew 0 all Team: Sasha Bogdanenko, Caitlin Mack, Izzy Hendry, Sarah Chapman, Tammy Izzat, Octavia Medlock, Tianna Larson The first game of netball anyone present had ever witnessed with a nil all result! Due to the heavy rain, we only had the opportunity to play a very short game of ten minute halves - half our usual playing time. The girls did a good job to keep the Yately Manor team from scoring though and Tammy thoroughly deserved being nominated as Player of the Match. She quietly uses the court and is there when needed and quick to intercept. Next week's match is at home against Hall Grove. It would be fantastic if we could win as it is our last competative netball game for quite a while now as the focus for matches shifts to hockey after half term.
Under 11A's v Yateley Manor Wednesday 7th October 2009 Lost 16 - 3 Team: Alice Jennings, Lucy Whitehead, Chloe Newland, Caitlyn Earwaker, Clare Chummun, Megan Wilkins, Elisa Anguiano, Maria Martinez-Iborra The rain was pouring, but I was still really looking forward to this match as over the past couple of weeks I have begun to see alot of improvement with you all. As the match started however, it was clear that there was not alot of energy on the court and you all seemed to forget the basics, such as toe on the line and even running forwards to receive a centre pass. I know it was wet and a bit chilly but this did not seem to hinder Yateley Manors performance. Each and everyone of you have good ball skills and when you remembered to use them and it looked fantastic. As a team I felt you lost it in the attacking third. Our passes should have been stronger and more accurate especially the final pass feeding into the circle. In the third quarter you clicked, you moved beautifully into space (not crowding), you passed strong balls (not at each others ankles) and the Shooters believed in themselves and scored our 3 goals. We actually won this quarter 3 - 2, which just goes to show that when you concentrate you can play like a team. Alice had yet another strong performance as GD, making lots of interceptions in the defending circle and helping to bring the ball down the court - well done Alice! Yateley Manor's player of the match - Alice Jennings
Under 11B's V Daneshill Wednesday 30th September 2009 Won 2 - 0 Team: Sasha Bogdanenko, Elisa Anguiano, Maria Martinez Iborra, Izzy Hendry, Sarah Chapman, Emily Symonds, Octavia Medlock, Tianna Larson The team's spirit was as positive as last week and again, I am sure that this helped them to win the match. There was a great deal of energy on court but there were also a lot of mistakes that need to be tightened up - footwork is still a particular problem, as is crowding. There were several bumps and minor collisions - you must space out and think about where you should be on court. The best place to receive a pass is not usually right on top of the ball! That said, there was some fantastic movement on court. Whereas last term, many of you would wave and call for the ball rooted to the spot, you are now leaping for interceptions and stretching for passes which are just out of reach. Well done. Strong shoulder passes have also improved your game. Next week will be challenging without Elisa and Maria's support but I am sure that we will be able to give Yately Manor a good run for their money if you keep up the focus and effort that you are currently giving the game. Daneshill's Player of Match - Emily. Well done! Under 11A's V Daneshill Wednesday 30th September 2009 Won 11 - 3 Team: Caitlyn Mack, Alice Jennings, Tammy Izzat, Lucy Whitehead, Chloe Newland, Caitlyn Earwaker, Clare Chummun, Megan Wilkins A fantastic game under 11’s – well done!! You actually looked like a team out on court. Your movement onto the ball this match was a lot better even though you do tend to still crowd. Our attack must learn to leave it for the defence to bring the ball up the court which will then give you the space to drive the final ball into the circle. Defending our opposition on this occasion was fairly straight forward, as they were particularly disorganized in the centre court and didn’t really create space, which made reading the game and making an interception fairly easy for you all. Girls this match was a zillion percent better than your last performance, both in your game play and team spirit – so please keep it up and well done.
Under 11As v Dolphin Wednesday 16th September 2009 Lost 16-1 Team: Caitlin Mack, Alice Jennings, Tammy Izzat, Lucy Whitehead, Chloe Newland, Izzy Hendry, Caitlyn Earwaker. U11's we have a lot of work to do. Throughout the first two quarters of the match you were moving into space and producing some accurate hard passing down the court. However, in the second half most of you looked as though you had given up. It's early beginnings, you have a new coach, but we can build from here. If each and everyone of you put in the time and effort in the training ground by focusing and enjoying the work you do, we can build on the many positive skills you have. I can help you improve your individual performances but I need you as individuals to work on your enthusiasm for the team game. My Man of the Match is awarded to Alice, because even though she had the strongest player from the opposition, she never gave up trying to make an interception - Well done Alice! Thanks to all the parents for their support on the sideline.
Under 11Bs v Dolphin Wednesday 16th September 2009 Won 10-1 Team: Sasha Bogdanenko, Elisa Anguiano, Sarah Chapman, Miriam Dewes, Maria Martinez Iborra, Octavia Medlock, Emily Symonds, Megan Wilkins, Tianna Larson What a fantastic start to the season! It is worth mentioning that four of the team have never played netball in their lives before this term and one player had never been part of a match! The best thing about this game, in fact, was the spirit and enthusiam of the girls from start to finish and I think that this focus and drive contributed enormously towards their victory. The girls got off to a strong start with the more experienced players leading the way. The other girls were soon up to speed and I was amazed but delighted to see them looking for spaces and refusing to crowd the ball. Players can be nagged about this for years yet still hover round the ball like bees at a honey pot so it was impressive to see beginners using the space on court so well. I am excited to watch their skills and understanding of the game develop over the coming months. Megan set the pace this week, bounding up and down the court, passing with strength and accuracy - the rest of the team responded brilliantly to her example and the play seemed to flow quite well. It was great to see so many strong shoulder passes, one of the skills that we have been focusing on this term. Both shooters, Sarah and Emily also deserve a special mention. They worked very hard, dodging and leaping and stretching for all of the balls in the D; especially pleasing to watch was the way that they worked together to find the best position for one of them to shoot. As a result, their shooting was calm and on the whole accurate. A huge improvement from you both since last season. I hope you can keep it up! As I said at the beginning, the most impressive aspect of this game was the team's energy and positive attitude. Obviously this is going to come easily when we are winning; the real test will be to maintain the same upbeat determination and cohesion when playing a stronger team and things are not going our way. Bear this in mind, girls and remember that a positive, focused attitude should never be under estimated. We have an awful lot of work to do over the coming season to improve your skills further but I hope that you are up for it and able to keep up this promising start...! Congratulations on your win and thank you to Miriam for being an organised and thoughtful captain! Dolphin's Player of the Match was awarded to Megan. |
