Five Wins from Eight Matches for Hockerill Netball Teams at St Edmund’s Colleg

On Saturday, our netball teams travelled to St Edmund’s College for a full programme of fixtures, an event we always look forward to thanks to the welcoming students and staff at St Edmund’s. Eight teams, totalling nearly 70 students, travelled by coach and minibus for a busy and rewarding morning of competitive school netball.

It proved to be a very successful set of fixtures, with five wins from eight matches across the age groups. The U12A and U12B teams delivered particularly strong performances, both securing victories. Having umpired the U12A game, it was clear how much progress the teams have made since their last fixture, especially in communication on court.

The U13A and U13B teams were equally impressive, also recording two wins. Their teamwork and skill shone throughout, with players demonstrating strong defensive work and excellent play through the centre court. The U14A and U14B teams faced a challenging fixture against St Edmund’s Year 9s, well known for their strong netball programme. Despite two losses, both teams showed determination, resilience, and commitment throughout the matches.

The U15A team showed particular character, overcoming a significant halftime deficit to finish their match with only a six-goal loss. Leadership and guidance on court helped the team pull together under pressure. The U16A team, with several years of experience playing together, were eager to replicate last year’s victory against St Edmund’s and did not disappoint, finishing with a strong performance that reflected both skill and teamwork.

One of the most rewarding aspects of these block fixtures is seeing older students support younger teams. Year 10 and Year 11 players guided, motivated, and assisted the Year 7 and Year 8 players, leading quarter-time discussions and offering valuable advice from the sidelines. This sense of mentorship highlights the collaborative and supportive nature of our netball programme.

After the matches, our hosts provided match teas of bacon rolls and smoothies, giving players the chance to relax and reflect on the morning’s events. It was a wonderful opportunity to see students of all ages coming together, enjoying competitive school netball, and developing both their skills and team spirit.

Jen Perry

Head of PE, Sport and PSHE