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On 15th March, our first team capped off a fantastic season by competing in the National Schools Finals at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. With hundreds of schools vying for a place at the national stage, securing a spot among the final 18 is a remarkable achievement. More than just a competition, the event provided an invaluable experience, pitting our players against the strongest teams in the country. Having now reached the national finals for four consecutive years, Wellington’s first team continues to demonstrate the strength and progress of our ever-growing netball programme.
The day began with a challenging group stage comprising eight fiercely contested games. Early on, every match showcased the competitive spirit of our players. In a nail-biting encounter against Barking Abbey, the game remained deadlocked until the final two minutes. Despite a tight goal-for-goal contest in the second half, Barking Abbey edged ahead with a 12-7 victory. The team rebounded in their next match, securing a thrilling 8-7 victory against Bede’s, with Eden B sinking a last-minute penalty shot to seal the win.
The squad then faced last year’s winners, Hartpury, and mounted an impressive second-half surge. Tehya M, Annabel I, and Sof S worked seamlessly to close the gap to 6-3, demonstrating exceptional teamwork. Against Solihull and Sir John Dearne’s, the team led at halftime in both matches, but despite strong performances from Keria B, Amelie S, Jaz S, and Eden B, victory slipped away in the later stages. In their final match, the team battled against Berkhamsted in a hard-fought contest, narrowly missing out on the win with a 12-9 scoreline. Defensively, Juliet M, Emily S, Freya WD, and Tallulah A were instrumental in keeping the game competitive until the final whistle.
A special highlight of the day was the unwavering team spirit displayed by Cara V, who, despite an injury that kept her off the court, supported her teammates from the sidelines throughout the weekend. Her dedication exemplifies the strength of the team’s unity and resolve.
The finals also shone a spotlight on key leaders whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the squad.
As captain of our first team, Jaz has been the integrative link between age groups, ensuring a strong and unified squad. Having been part of the team that secured 3rd place at last year’s Nationals, she brought with her the expectation of hard work and consistency, setting the standard for the team. Jaz is one of the most approachable people, making her a fantastic captain – always ensuring that every player felt welcomed and involved. She leads with both her voice and her actions, giving 100% every time she steps on court. Over the past two years, her growth in game understanding has been incredible, solidifying her role as a leader both on and off the court. Her presence will be greatly missed next season.
Alongside her college netball, Amelie has been an integral part of London Pulse Power U19s and a Scotland international, currently training with the U21 long squad as she contests for a place in this year’s World Championships. For the past two years, she has been a huge asset to the first team, bringing unmatched dedication to training and competition. Her commitment is unwavering – you can always count on her to have studied footage, providing valuable insights on opponents ahead of every game. With a relentless competitive edge, Amelie pushes for the win no matter the circumstances -she never gives up. Her grit, determination, and drive will be missed next season, but we know she’ll continue making an impact on any court she’s on.
Balancing her netball commitments while serving as Head of College, Emily has shown an incredible level of dedication and discipline. Despite her demanding schedule, she never missed a training session and has always been willing to step up for the team – taking on the GA role when needed without hesitation. A true team player, Emily creates a welcoming and supportive environment, especially for the younger players. Her versatility on court is unmatched – she brings a wide skill set that has made her an invaluable asset to any team over her time at the college. No matter the position, we’ve always had full confidence in her ability to deliver. We will miss her positive approach next season.
With most of the team in Lower Sixth, the future is bright, and this success sets a high benchmark for the seasons ahead. The college community is immensely proud of every player, coach, and supporter who contributed to this inspiring achievement.
Beyond the Nationals, various age groups competed in fixtures against Lord Wandsworth and Hurstpierpoint. Alongside the 1sts at the National Finals, all netballers were in action both home and away against Lord Wandsworth and Hurstpierpoint. A and B teams played Hurst in some competitive fixtures. Standout performances came from the U15s; the U15Bs were the only team to win away (30-19), while the U15As secured a thrilling 24-24 draw. The 2nd team, with many players in their final match for the College, fought competitively across all four quarters. Despite a 28-41 defeat, the team played some of their best netball of the year, with especially strong defensive performances from CC and Freya.
C teams and below played Lord Wandsworth in our first-ever block fixture against them. Despite playing two teams up, all year groups performed admirably. Highlights from the senior matches included a 16-15 win for the 5th team, with Damisola and Amelie named players of the match. In the junior matches, there were competitive games across the board, with the 15Fs backing up last week’s win with another 18-15 victory. The 14Cs and 14Ds defeated Lord Wandsworth’s 14As and 14Bs, demonstrating the depth and strength in this year group. The 14Ds were trailing at halftime, but exceptional defence from India and sharp shooting from Violet secured a comeback victory. Concluding the final block fixture of the year, the 14Gs—many of whom are new to netball—claimed a 7-2 win.
