U15 Kelsall Tournament

The U15A team went to the Kelsall Netball Tournament at Brentood school on Thursday 6th March. It was a well attended event with schools represented offering a high standard of netball. The girls played 6 short matches of 15 minutes each.

They really had to 'hit the ground running' as the games were fast and furious from the start. All girls worked incredibly hard and were supportive of each other throughout.
In defence, Georgina Stevens and Amy Tydeman provided a formidable defence with relentless pursuit of the ball. This clearly frustrated many opponents with many games easily won with high Felsted scores.

However, it was also very effective in the match against Brentwood A where the defence managed to hold out for well deserved and hard fought 3 - 2 win.

Issy Minks, Kate Butterworth and Rebecca Earl shared in the shooting and were consistently reliable to consolidate attacking play into goals. Their skill and accuracy is clearly exemplified in the high scoring wins against Brentwood B (20-0) and Forest (10-0).

Centre court was hard fought by Emily Butler, Lara Peck, Frankie Moore, Elicia Carrington and Jade Kaya. They managed to bring the ball through the court by mixing short with long passes which served to outwit many opposition teams.

In all, the girls won 4, drew 1 and lost 1 game. This was an excellent outcome as their only loss was to the team who ultimately won the tournament. Felsted U15A team achieved 2nd place.

It was a pleasure to accompany this dedicated, talented team and I hope that they will return for the win next year.

Kimbolton

Saturday 8th February 2014

2nd VII: Won 20-11
The girls adapted well to the very windy conditions by using short, sharp passes. With a confident approach in attack, both Helen and Caitlin shot very well and gained good positions in the circle. Strong play in defence prevented Kimbolton from gaining good shooting positions. Consistently strong centre court play brought the ball effectively into the attack. A well-deserved win.

3rd VII: Won 20-15
The thirds were victorious against Kimbolton, winning 20-15. Olivia was player of the match for showing her commitment throughout the game. The shooters coped admirably with the very windy conditions. There was an excellent team spirit today and all players demonstrated versatility, playing in different positions around the court.

U15 B: Won 15-10
With the stormy weather against us we were ready to do battle! The Kimbolton girls gave us a tough game we pulled through with a 15-10 win and Hannah Barratt claiming Player of the Match,

U14 B: Lost 6-9
Unfortunately we faced tough weather and lost the match 6-9. It was very hard to get goals in with the wind. Although we did put up a good fight and intercepted lots of balls.
Congratulations to the two players of the match, Kitty Jones and Tayler Lodge for their pressure defending the opposition.

U14C: Lost 26-3
Didn’t give up fighting! The defence, despite the score played really well. We just never quite managed to make the most of the ball at the attacking end. Sophie Weston had a good first full appearance in the Cs. Yumico Cui valiantly had a go at a new position Bonnie Jones and Emily Tydeman also called in last minute. All gave their best efforts but were beaten by a skilled, fast and slick Kimbolton team.

U14D: Lost 21-1
The best match spirit I have seen for a while. Rain and shine the D’s in their first match this season made the most of representing Felsted.
They did not drop their heads as Kimbolton showed their skills. Sabrina Mardon made sure that Kimbolton never had 2 shots in a row always picking up the rebound. Lari Mabhena took on a dynamic role as Center.

Haileybury

1st VII
Lost 38-32
From the moment the whistle went, it was evident that this game was going to be a highly contested one. Despite Felsted falling behind in the first half, the players never stopped fighting in the battle to win the match and they staged a 3rd quarter come-back, tightening the goal difference. At the end of the third quarter it looked as though Felsted were going to turn things around; our defence were making some great intercepts, our attack were moving the ball quickly and accurately down the court and feeding some effortless balls into the circle and, our shooters were putting shots up from all over the D. Unfortunately, in the 4th quarter some 50:50 chances didn’t quite go our way. Sadly this resulted in us not quite catching the Haileybury score and we lost by 4 goals. This game was a very passionate performance and the girls should take pride in how they fought hard in the second half to win that section and close the gap. Things look promising for games ahead. Player of the match voted by Haileybury was given to Tamara Evans.

2nd VII
Lost 21-16
The girls played with determination throughout the game. Tabatha and Caitlin fought to gain good positions in the circle and shot well, despite the wind. However, the opposition were strong and much of the game was played in the defending third. Rachel and Isabella were resilient in making it difficult for the opposition shooters to gain position to shoot. The final score was 21 - 16. The first loss for the girls this season. Well done to Tabatha who was playing for the 2nds this week and gained player of the match.


3rd VII
Lost 31-8
The thirds played a strong Haileybury side today.  The first quarter was equally matched by both sides but Haileybury's momentum developed and they ran away with the score winning 31-8. Player of the match was Sophie Cuthbert, who played with undeterred enthusiasm.

U14 B
Lost 19-11
Unfortunately Haileybury won 19-11. Although, we put up a good fight with the harsh weather.
Player of the match goes to Beth Hudson-Lund for supporting the team and not getting enough credit at WD. Well done.

Bishop’s Stortford

Saturday 28th January 2014

1st VII
Won 27-12
The players were very excited and geared up for the game. After the first quarter very little separated the two teams and it was looking like it was going to be a very close contest. In the second quarter Felsted managed to break ahead thanks to our defence making some great intercepts and enabling us to turn the ball over. At half time the lead had grown but wasn’t untouchable. Felsted continued to play with great determination in the second half and Mollie Stonham and Maddie Smith played some amazing feeds into the circle, enabling Hayley Young and Tamara to put lots of shots up. The final score was 27-12 and BSC voted Tamara Evans as player of the match. This is the second year running that we have beaten Bishops Stortford which is a fantastic achievement. Well done to all the 
players. 

2nd VII
Won 27 - 26
The game started with Bishop’s Stortford dominating play and they were winning for the first three quarters. At times, Felsted managed to draw level a few times, but it was not until the final quarter that this was sustained. Felsted only started to get ahead in the last 5 minutes of the game! All players showed determination and discipline in their play and this paid off.
Player of the match: Charlotte Volf.

3rd VII
The thirds played a strong Bishop’s Stortford side. Stortford got off to an impressive start, but a committed Felsted defence did well against the tall shooters. Sophie Cuthbert, player of the match, was determined and inspired the team with her enthusiasm. Felsted won the final quarter but unfortunately it wasn't quite enough to claim an overall victory.

U15A
Lost 25-28
The U15 A team faced a tough match against Bishop’s Stortford College.  The girls started strongly with an equal first quarter. However, in the second quarter the girls seemed to drop the pace and as a result, the opposition pulled ahead by a few goals.  In the second half we showed promise, fighting back and all the girls played extremely well.  The final score was 25-28, narrowly missing out on a win.  Well played to all the girls, with Georgina Stevens as a player of a match and we hope for a better result against Haileybury on Saturday.

St Edmund’s

Tuesday 21st January 2014

2nd Won 35-12
The girls started strong winning the first quarter with ease. Excellent shooting and movement in the circle by Helen and Caitlin ensured many goals throughout the game. St Edmund’s adjusted their positions to try to restrict Felsted's play but they remained strong throughout.
Player of the match: Helen Spooner

Framlingham

1st VII
Result: Lost 28-18
On Saturday the 1st VII played against a tough and well organised Framlingham side. The 1st VII got off to a bit of a slow start and Framlingham took every advantage to score and at half time the Felsted side were 16-5 down. After half time Felsted picked up their play; passes were more accurate and the defence worked incredibly hard to turn over much of the Framlingham play. The second half of the game was actually won by Felsted 13-12 but unfortunately this was not enough to secure the victory and Framlingham went away with a 28-18 win. Player of the match was awarded to Maddie Smith who played with determination and control throughout the whole game however this was closely contested by Hayley Young who's movement around the circle and shooting accuracy was outstanding.

2nd VII
Result: Won 46-22
Another successful win for the 2nds. The girls had said that they were extremely hot after a good warm up before the match, but it seems that this paid dividends. Movement throughout the court was excellent from the start of the game, with exemplary attacking play (Bea, Lucy, Charlotte, Olivia) to feed the circle where shooting was excellent from both Helen and Caitlin. Defence worked tirelessly, to tip off loose balls and fight for the rebounds (Isabella, Rachel). The final score was 46-22. Player of the match: Charlotte Volf.  




3rd VII
Result: Won 19-16
The Thirds played a great netball match yesterday against a strong Framlingham side. Olivia was player of the match for her commitment and enthusiasm during the game.  Taby and Suzie worked well together in the circle and were both on fine shooting form.  Anastasia and Paige supported them well in the mid-court and Annabel and Sophie's defence was committed and effective.



4th VII
Result: Won 16-15
The match against Framlingham was very evenly matched, so Felsted was going to have to work very hard. The team made a good start but headed into the third quarter behind by two goals. After some good coaching by Georgina the team was ready to fight in the last quarter and the two shooters, Ellie and Georgia, made some fantastic goals! The defending by Sophia and Immy was excellent and, as a result of this, Felsted pulled it back to win. Phoebe was awarded the woman of the match for her sheer effort and determination throughout the game.

U15 B
Result: Won 16-3
On Saturday the 18th, the U15 B netball team fought against Framingham to strive for another unbeaten season, they did so by winning 16-3 with Olivia Fenn as player of the match despite a fall in the 2nd quarter. Tia Richards played an aggressive game and Charley Moore ensured hardly any goals were scored against us! Lily's half time Team Captain talk motiated us to pul away with a victory in the final quarter!

U14 A
Result: 21-7
Despite our strong start to the season last week we unfortunately lost the match 21-7 to a very strong team. Although in the last 1/4 we held our ground letting only 4 in and gaining 3. Player of the match goes to Abi Magee.

U14 C
Result: Lost 16-8
The U14C had a good game against Framlingham on Saturday. Yumico Cui was player of the match. Her first ever netball match and showed how a basketball background can help as GD. Emily Tydeman found her feet as C and the team worked well together, despite the hard effort they were beaten 16 - 8. Never quite recovering from the first quarter.

Royal Hospital School

Saturday 11th January 2014 

2nd VII
Result: Won 26-22
The game started with evenly matched determination from both teams. The ball was passed with speed through the centre court by Charlotte, Olivia and Bea with Molly's excellent interceptions as WA keeping the ball in the attacking third. The circle was fed well to Helen and Caitlin who both shot consistently throughout the game. In defence, Isabella and Rachel worked tirelessly to prevent goals from the opposition.

4th VII
Result: Won 27-24
The 4th team started the season in great style with a most convincing win over RHS 24-27. There were fine performances from all players, in particular GS and GA as well as enthusiastic and sustained team spirit from all members of the team A very deserving win.

U15 B
Result: Won 26-1
The U15 B team had their first away match at the Royal Hospital School and won 26-1. This was an amazing win, as it was our first match of the season and we had only had three training sessions before the match. During the first quarter we scored seven goals with Tia as GS and Laura as GA. This was a good start to the game and we started strong as intended to continue. During the second quarter we scored four goals as RHS came back fighting, as we began to panic and rush our play. So at half time we had a team talk about how we needed to slow the pace and take time with our passes and we went back out in the third quarter to score another seven goals.

However, during this quarter we did begin to tire so we conceded one goal. At the start of the final quarter our aim was 25 goals and with Tia and Laura back shooting together, we scored another 8 goals to overcome our target and have a fantastic start to the season.

Player of the match was Laura Winter for her amazing shooting and effort throughout the game.

U14 B
Result: Won 20-5
We got off to a good start and won with a confident 20-5. Player of the match was given to both Grace Frewin for her on-point shooting skills and Scarlett Coote for her efforts and support on the court. Let's keep this good start.

1st VII through to the next round of the Independent Schools National Cup

Felsted v Royal Russell School - Felsted Win 46-13
 Having only had two Friday evening training sessions this term, the girls arrived on court looking a little tentative. After the first 5 minutes the nerves settled and the girls played some excellent netball. The passages of play by Mollie Stonham and Maddie Smith through the centre court and feeding the circle were excellent, and as a result our shooters (Tamara Evans, Hayley Young and Helen Spooner) were awarded numerous chances and profited from them.

Our defence, consisting of Georgia Long, Bella Thomas and Lizzie Cole, were a force to be reckoned with and Royal Russell found it extremely difficult to get the ball past them. Bella Thomas in particular played a pivotal role in turning the ball over numerous times by her excellent intercepting skills. The end result was 46-13 and player of the match was awarded to Bella Thomas. A great start to the year for this team and we look forward to hearing who they are drawn against in the next round.

U14 B v Culford

Saturday 9th March

Result: Won 40-0

The U14 girls played an outstanding match against Culford winning 40-0 and the player of the match was awarded to Hannah Barratt for some superb play down the side of the court.  Well done to all the girls for playing their absolute best and to Miss Speight for exellent motivation; we are one step closer to the meal Miss Speight promised us if we could have an undefeated season!

3rd VII v Culford

Saturday 9th March 2013

Result: Won 30-21

Saturday 9^th March saw the girls play away against Culford in some very wet and rainy conditions. The girls began the first half in a very equal battle against Culford, with both shooters (Suzie Burton and Gabby Doughty) getting many of their shots in, enabling it to end in a draw. The second quarter saw Culford play a strong game, with girls needing to improve on their defence throughout all positions on court, although the girls kept up the determination. The third quarter allowed the girls to raise the pace of the game and the defensiveness around the court created an entirely new game; this encouraged the girls to work harder and fight more for a successful win. Finally, with Felsted maintaining a strong lead in terms of goals and play some impressive passes across the court, the fourth and final quarter saw Felsted beat Culford 30-21. Well done to all of the girls who took part, player-of-the-match to Lucy Muir.

U14 B v The Perse

Saturday 3rd March 

Result: Won 32-0

The team played the best they have ever played and are still unbeaten, winning with the score of 32-0. Miss Speight set us the target of not allowing the opposition to concede one goal so the final few minutes were tense as their Goal Shooter aimed a shot at the net! We also trialled some new numbered centre passes which worked fantastically!

Well done to all the girls and to Lily Hagan for being awarded player of the match. We thoroughly enjoyed having some support from the parents too.

Laura Winter, Vice-Captain

U15 A The Perse

Result: 35-4

The winning streak continued through the week, as the U15 As faced The Perse at home on Saturday. A strong start set the girls on the right path as the first quarter finished 11-1. Tight marking in the defence and strong, direct attack allowed lots of feeding into the D and the shooters worked hard to increase the goal difference. A slight dip in enthusiasm and energy prevented the girls from creeping into the 40s, which is more that achievable for this team and gives us a new target for our next few matches!

3rd VII v The Perse

Saturday 2^nd March

Result: Won 22-11

The girls began the first half with a strong start, playing some excellent defence and passing the ball gracefully around the court into the two shooters, Alex and Suzie, enabling them to win the quarter. The second quarter saw a much more balanced game between the two sides, although the girls kept up the determinism to keep the opposition from having any shots. The third quarter saw the pace of the game increase- with The Perse changing nearly all of their players around creating an entirely new game, this encouraged the girls to work harder and fight more for a successful win. Finally, with Felsted still managing to keep up the motivation, and play some impressive passes across the court, the fourth and final quarter saw Felsted beat The Perse. Well done to all of the girls who took part, man-of-the-match to Lucy Muir.