Ratcliffian 2016 (LOWRES)

SPORT
NETBALL
We have continued to field 11 teams across the full age range, with around 100 girls training
every week. The coaches would like to say a huge thank you to all the girls for their commitment
and determination, as this year has seen some very tough and tight matches. Congratulations
must go to Adelaide Muskwe and Isobel Hose who were selected to go to England U17 and
U19 trials. In addition, Ellie Gallacher and Elise Atkinson trained with the County Academy.
3 rd VII
The 3 rd team unfortunately had several of their matches
cancelled, and the highlight of their season has to be the
excellent 3 goal victory over Denstone. Imogen Power proved
herself a force to be reckoned with, thoroughly deserving
her call-up to the 2nd team on several occasions. Nicole
Wong used her basketball skills to the full, shooting with
ease, even if in an unconventional netball style, and formed
good partnerships with fellow shooter Beatrice Waters and
Wing Attack Jessica Walsh. Milli Ellis and Sibella Chew, the
outgoing Year 13 players, used their experience to hold the
team together.
U15
The U15s had a mixed season, with some frustrating
results along the way. They struggled to cope with the loss
of shooter Isobel Hose to the 1 st team, though all players
showed excellent commitment to training and matches,
along with a high level of intensity in and an excellent
Lucy Grinham and Ellie Baker are to be congratulated
for stepping up to the ‘A’ team on numerous occasions.
The ‘B’ team beat strong opposition from both Denstone
and Leicester Grammar and, despite a 9-goal deficit
against Trent, they fought back to narrowly lose. This was
a tremendous effort and testament to their determination
and fight until the final whistle. Flora Colville and Mia Baker
worked well together in the circle and shot consistently well in
every game.
U13
The U13 girls had a successful season, playing some lovely
netball and achieving good results. Commitment and
attitude were excellent, and they demonstrated a hardworking
ethos and very good listening skills to take advice
on board. The girls were very good at converting defence
into attack thanks to the sterling work of defenders, Dalila
Watson, Annabel Mills, Danni Hendry and Rebecca Lindley.
The attacking prowess of
Ellie Gallacher, Eleanor
Shaw, Aimee Cleminson
and Maddie Lindop
contributed to their superb
teamwork, moving the ball
through to the attacking
third, and demonstrating
excellent feeds and
movement skills. The
‘B’ team was also very
impressive, with stand-out
performances from Ella
De Caestecker, Lucy Antill
and Emily McBallantine
all of whom showed
disciplined performances.
SPORT
1st 2nd 3rd 15A 15B 14A 14B 13A 13B 12A 12B
PLAYED 8 6 3 8 6 8 4 7 5 8 7
WON 6 2 2 2 1 2 2 4 1 5 0
DRAWN 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 2
LOST 2 4 1 6 4 5 2 3 4 2 5
1 st VII
In the County Tournaments, the 1 st team lost in the semifinal
by 1 goal. Two of our younger teams were entered into
the new structure of the Team Leicestershire County Cup.
The U13 team progressed to the semi-finals and the U12s
got through to the Grand Final evening where they faced a
strong, well organised Oakham side.
I have been extremely impressed with the standard of play
and determination shown by the 1st team. The squad gelled
together to put in some fantastic whole-team performances.
Our loss in the semi-final of the County Tournament was
a bitter pill to swallow, but this set the bar at a high level
for the Spring Term. They had a fantastic season, losing
only 2 games, both by very small margins. An excellent
opening 42 – 36 win over Wisbech was followed by a superb
performance against Denstone, winning 38 – 18. The
highlight of the season had to be the Trent game.
This was possibly the best 1 st team performance,
in terms of skill level and determination, I have
seen in all my years at Ratcliffe. Behind by 9 goals
at half-time, the girls pulled it back to within 1
goal, losing in the final minute to a team who got
through to the National Schools’ Finals. Regional
players Adelaide Muskwe and Isobel Hose
inspired the others to chase down every ball and
never give up on a possible tip or interception. Defenders
Adelaide, Emily Sellicks, Megan Vincent and Nima Patel
frustrated the opposition, while Olivia Back’s athleticism in
centre-court was exemplary. Kate Tyszka’s experience as a
shooter enabled her to play some fabulous feeds into the
circle, where Charley Flowers’ shooting partnership with
Isobel Hose proved outstanding, with Isobel averaging 80%
success per game. I hope that the squad is as pleased with
their season as I am.
2 nd VII
The 2nd team had the closest matches of all the teams,
winning by 1 goal once and losing by a goal in 2 others.
Katie Winston was the stand-out player, holding the centre
of the court together along with Chloe Flowers, while the
team was captained effectively by Ellie Cooper. Rebecca Astill
had her best season to date and Isobel Thomas made the
transition to senior netball seem effortless.
attitude in matches. Nicole Spencer was an excellent ‘A’ team
captain, leading by example and having an outstanding
season in a solid defensive unit that included Olivia
Carpenter, Jenna Pole and Molly Edwards. The B team also
defended effectively all season, with Ru Tsatsa and Holly
Bown developing an excellent partnership, and Ceri Graham
impressing greatly. Special mention should go Isobel
Coombs and Molly Page. The highlight of the season were
three strong team performances against Wellingborough.
Such strength in depth meant there was movement between
the squads as girls fought hard to secure starting positions.
U14
The U14s were a pleasure to coach, showing excellent
commitment and effort in both training and fixtures. The ‘A’
squad had a strong season with some mixed results. The
attacking players gelled well with the shooters, Ellie Hollinshead
and Abigail Santaney, who were ably supported by centre
court players, Holly Vinall, Sharmel Yapa and Mia Atkinson.
The defence worked together as a cohesive unit, rather than
as individuals, as shown by Sofia Henderson, Layla Bott and
Liyah Pinsent-Heskey, all of whom made some incredible
interceptions, constantly putting pressure on the opposition.
U12
Miss Lowe and I were
really impressed with
the improvements in the
U12 team perfomances,
culminating in a place in
the county final. The large number of potential players for
the two teams was testament to their desire to improve every
aspect of their game. The ‘A’ team, in particular, developed
into a force to be reckoned with, dominating their opposition.
Elise Atkinson played a major role in a number of different
positions, whilst inspiring the others to raise their game. Amy
Mason was a real ‘pocket rocket’, agile and nippy around the
court with a feistiness that inspired the rest. Annie Rose Reddin
and Annie Bridgwood worked hard on circle partnership while
Ella McNeeney worked herself into the starting line-up. Maddi
Bryant adjusted to a change in position with ease, and Millie
Chapman used her height to great effect in the defensive
circle. The ‘B’ team also worked very hard to improve every
aspect of their play, especially their understanding of the
game. An early draw against Denstone enabled them to settle
into the season and gave a great boost to their confidence.
Rachel Astill was a key player along with Emily Curnick, as
their work-rate and determination set the standard for others
to emulate. Olivia Crawley and Brooke England should also
be proud of their contributions.
Mrs A Taylor
Head of Netball
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