Page 102 - HMS 2020

Sport
Netball
Sadly our netball term was cut short because of the Coronavirus pandemic. We had 6 scheduled tournaments cancelled, in addition to our normal fixtures which were brought to a sudden halt. We had high expectations for some silverware this year, and luckily our Year 5 team were able to compete and win the Haileybury tournament before the full lockdown happened. This was a nerve wracking afternoon, witnessed by our fantastic supporters.
The U10 Haileybury Cup Winners kept our title for the second year running!
Our Year 3’s started their netball career with an exciting High-5 festival, where the continual bib changes caused much fun and confusion but plenty was learnt about positions and tactics. They are an enthusiastic group of girls who show great commitment to improving their game.
The Year 4’s managed quite a few matches before the lockdown and showed great depth and strength and the ability to be versatile in their approach. Our ever popular Junior Netball Club on a Tuesday night (with over 45 girls regularly participating), would not be possible without our fantastic Year 8 helpers Sasha C, Mia G and Charlotte E who have proved to be truly inspirational for our younger pupils. Our thanks also go to Mrs Slowey, who rediscovered her love of the sport.
Our U11’s and U10’s continued to display great strength and depth and we were regularly able to play 7 teams in this
age group. The girls occasionally played 5-side netball, which is a brilliant way of developing the whole netball player.
The Seniors played Framlingham College for the first time.
We had some very exciting Wednesdays where every single team won matches – quite an achievement. Again a huge number came out to netball club on a Monday, although the lure of biscuits may have been the biggest draw!
Sasha C and Mia G our netball captain and vice-captain have been the epitome of dedicated netball players. Both
are successfully
involved in the
Herts Academies,
their enthusiasm
has been brilliant
to witness and
we hope they
continue to play
at the highest
standard. Perhaps
they will be “visiting super league players” in years to come? The Year 8 girls have been extraordinary ambassadors for sport at Heath Mount since Year 3. They are energetic, committed and a delight to teach with some superb netball played along the way. A highlight of this term was their “fight to the end” win over Queenswood by one goal. We hope
the girls continue to play at their senior schools to the very best of their ability.
In addition to our usual spread of fixtures, we saw a number of new schools compete against us. These included Stephen Perse and Framlingham College, and the most rewarding comment was made by the Framlingham staff who commented: “Your girls are fantastically competitive, whilst being well mannered and respectful.” We now play against
over 20 schools and we thank the parents for their continued support, both during the week and at weekends.
Frances Paxman
Year 3 at the High Five Netball Festival.
Netball Masterclass with England Goal Keeper Stacey Francis
The inspirational England International Stacey Francis put our Year 7 and 8 girls through their paces at the end of term with a special masterclass. She helped hone the girls’ skills with some fast-paced training drills and gave some top tips for match success, reminding them to put 100% into their training. Stacey, who is normally based in Perth where she is vice-captain of the West Coast Fever super league team, had just returned from playing as part of the triumphant England Roses team in the South Africa Series.
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