Turnford Netball Club

TURNFORD U14s MAKE NATIONAL CLUB FINALS

 

Turnfords very talented U14 squad made their way to Manchester last weekend to take part in the finals of the U14 National Club Championships.

 

It was the culmination of a season of hard work by the best U14 netball teams in the country and it was certainly an excellent showcase of the talent that exists in some of Englands youth netballers.  The 18 teams were divided into three groups of 6 who all played each other in a round-robin style, after which the top two teams from each group went on to play for the exclusive positions 1st to 6th.

 

Through the rounds Turnford beat Northampton 30-10, Fenton Manor 20-12, CD Phoenix 12-7, Telstars 13-9, with one hiccup losing to Oldham 10-14.  This was enough to put them through to play for 1st to 6th position.

 

They drew with Poole 8 goals each, but beat Essex 16-11.  This put them to go through to the finals were they met Oldham once again.

 

But it was to be Oldham's day and Turnford had to be content with the runners up trophy, but coach Carole Titmuss was absolutely delighted with this result and the squad must be truly proud of themselves.

 

Picture shows L to R Back Row: Devon Ricketts, Stephanie Lewis-Smith, Jessica Merulla, Lottie Morrison, Scarlett Barnes, Kate Green, Bethany Hatherly, Nina Pattison.

L to R Front Row:  Lauren Drabwell, Rebecca Suzan, Ellie Newman, Amber Forrow.

 

 

Bobbi Simmonds makes England U17 Selection

 

U16 year old Bobbi Simmonds, a member of Turnford Netball Club, got her England call up at last week's U17 England selections held in Sheffield.

 

Bobbi has been playing netball from an early age both at her school, Caterham High School, and her club, Turnford Netball Club.  She says that the biggest influences on her netball career so far has been her netball teacher Susan Maher for challenging her to be a better player and her club coach, Carole Titmuss, who has always encouraged her to be the best she can and to play at the highest level.

 

Bobbi is currently studying for her GCSEs where she will be taking ten subjects this June.  Bobbi comes from a sporting family and indeed her sister, Antonia, played in the U19 England Squad.  Her father was a keen basketball player and she says both of her parents have encouraged her and her sister to be involved in sport.

 

When asked who was her favourite sports personality, Bobbi replied Joanne Harten, who is the current England goal shooter and came from a local netball club.

 

She trains three times a week and that excludes matches, so socially netball takes up a lot of her time which she feels is no hardship as she wants to play at the highest level.  Her aim is to play for the England Open Squad in future years.  Turnford wish every success with this goal.

 

 

TURNFORD MAKE A CLEAN SWEEP IN NORFOLK

 

What an exicting and successful day last Sunday was for this extremely talented band of netball players.  The U14 and U16 National squads plus the senior East Region Squad boarded the coach at 7.30am from the Broxbourne Civic Centre and made their way to Norwich to play Norfold in the hope that they would win and take the title of regional winners putting them through to the National Finals.  True to form they Turnford sides breezed through their matches.  The first match up was the East Region Game.  This was to be a tough match but gave the young U14/U16 players a chance to view what their future has in store.  The ball moved fast around the court and there was some excellent defending from Kathryn Titmuss, Charlotte Oneill and Rachel Oliphant making many turnarounds.  The accurate shooting of Natalie Oliphant allowed Turnford to run out winners 39-27.  Turnford remain at the topof the East Region leader board.  They have three matches left before it will be decided if they will go forward to the regional play offs to play in the \National Clubs League.  Their next match is Sunday where they will play against Ipswich.

 

Then followed the U14's.  From the start the Turnford side just looked too strong and skillful for their Norfolk opponents.  With the outstanding court play of centre Rebecca Suzan feeding well into the circle.  The first quarter ended with Turnford ahead 14-4.  The defence in the second quarter proved even more of a problem for the opposition and the tight defending of Nina Pattison (player of the match), Stephanie Lewis-Smith, Kate Green and Beth Hatherly allowed only 3 goals passed them.  At half time they went into the lead 29-6.  The game continued this vein, with accurate shooting of Scarlett Barnes, Lottie Morrison and Jessica Merulla pushing the score ahead at the end of the third quarter 46-13.  The fresh legs of Devon Ricketts and Lauren Drabwell stretched their lead to win the match 58-17.  Turnford will now go through to the U14 National Club Championship to be held in Manchester on May 8th/9th.

 

The U16's are such a source to be reckoned with.  There was no point that they did not look in complete control.  They toyed with this Norfold side, who I am sure did not know what had hit them.  This superb and special Turnford side sailed through the whole match scoring with ease and the defense of Sian Green, Sophie Stainton and Hannah Lok making turnaround after turnaround.  Centre, Olivia Bugg, had returned from an injusry to play in this important game.  She moved with class and elegance around the court liking the defense and attak with grace.  Shooters Amy Dean and Jasmine Hatherly interacted faultlessly throughout the game.  Unfortunately during the game Sophie, the GD, fell but with the strength of younger players on the bench Beth Ewin, Zoe ONeill and Sally Pyne being introduced meant the game was unaffected and the girls remained on top form running out winners 76-21.  The U16's will go forward to the U16's National Club Championship also to be held in Manchester on April 24th/25th.

 

 

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

Turnford Netball Club's U14's will join their U16 counterparts representing Hertfordshire in the regional rounds of the National Champoinships.  This very strong squad proved too strong for their oponents, St Albans, Hertford Hornets, Watford Premier, Shelley and Hatfield with no club scoring even half of Turnford's points.

 

The first region round will be against Norfolk on 10th January

 

Turnford would like to wish squad members: - Nina Pattison, Rebecca Suzanne, Beth Hatherly, Lauren Drabwell, Stephanie Lewis-Smith, Jessica Murella, Devon Ricketts, Amber Forrow, Kate Green, Ellie Newman, Lottie Morrison and Scarlett Barnes good luck in their quest for National Winners.

 

 

THURROCK TOURNAMENT - SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER 2009

 

Turnford Netball Club narrowly miss out on a clean sweep across all age groups at the Thurrock Tournament with every year group from U10's to U14's winning top positions except the U11's who bringing in new players and having key team members on holiday had to settle for a slot in the top 4.

 

Please see U10's, U11's, U12's, U13's and U14's sections for their full tournament reports.

 

CROSS KEYS TOURNAMENT SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2009

 

U9’s

 

This was Turnford U9's first competitive tournament and they didn't fail to impress their coaches! The first match of the day against Crosskeys saw excellent attacking play and accurate shooting from Bethan Forrow and Anna Burbidge sealing a 10-2 victory.  They continued their winning form notching up wins against Turnford C 4-0 and Turnford A 4-3 largely due to superb defending from Evie Herrick and Libby Bristow. The height of the girls in High Wycombe Red team proved difficult for the youngsters but determined play from Lily Kersey and Andriana Robinson meant they drew 3-3. The girls confidently won their remaining 2 matches, Cheshunt 3-1 and High Wycombe white 10-0 securing their first ever trophy and title as U10 winners. Player of the tournament was awarded to Anna Burbidge for excellent all round play.

The U9B team also produced an outstanding day’s play conceding only to their own A team in their age group. They took the u9 winners title making their coaches very proud! Player of the tournament was Abigail Nathalie who worked hard in all areas of the court throughout the day. The team consisted of Katy Pinnell, Nicole Dyer, Abi Coggins, Abigail Nathalie, Sam Richards, Rachel Eldridge and Queenie Pearce.

 

 

U10’S /U11’S

 

The Under 10s entered two teams into the tournament.  One team played up a year in the U11 section where they did exceptionally well to secure some victories,  given a number of new players, but in a couple of matches they succumbed to older and much taller girls.  Everyone gave 100% and ended with a very credible 3^rd position overall.  Squad members - Nancy Wrighton, Erin Murphy, James West, Alicia Mulholland, Amba Gooden, and Squad Player of the Tournament, Rebecca Thomas.

 

The second U10 team played in the Under10 section.  This squad consisted of girls who have only joined the club in September, so the tournament was their first opportunity to play competitive netball together.  The girls impressed with their new skills and bagged themselves three victories which earned them fifth place overall.  Squad members - Molly Clark, Phoebe Walker, Olivia Stevens, Isabel Keys, Isabel Keefe, and Squad Player of the Tournament, Ellie Elliott."

 

 

 

 

 

Asco Netball Tournament (Goffs School) 20th September 2009

U11’s A

The U11 A team had to settle for the runner’s up trophies following what had to be one of the most nail biting, exciting finals, the youngsters had ever experienced against CD Phoenix. With a 3-3 full time score,  the final went into 2 minutes extra time and in spite of having more chances at goal , it wasn’t meant to be with CD scoring twice in extra time.

Throughout the day, the team found themselves in a group where all teams were going to prove challenging. Starting off with Poole Diamonds,( who had previously beaten our squad at Thurrock last year), the team fought relentlessly to secure a  4-4 draw mainly down to some outstanding defence play from Niamh Burns  and Jasmine Bowman cpmplemented by solid centre court play from Poppy Murchison; next up, our local rivals , Hertford Hornets who surprised us by winning 4-3  in spite of great shooting from Jessica Williams and Rebecca  Palmer , putting our young side under pressure for the remaining three matches. The girls upped their game against High Wycome with a convincing 6-0 win , where Isobelle Stibbs was amazing in defence , intercepting the ball continuously .The next game was against Flames , a notoriously physical side, but undeterred the girls secured a 5-3 win with solid defence play from Victoria Cookson and Abigail Berry. CD Phoenix were last  and what a battle it turned out to be; all of the squad played their hearts out to secure a 2-1 win meaning they had done enough to secure a place in the semi’s where they comfortably beat Abbey Flyers leaving them facing CD Phoenix again in the final....role on our next meeting with them. Player of the tournament went to Isobelle Stibbs for her amazing defence play throughout the day.

U11’s B

This amazingly talented young U10 team were playing up a year on the day and produced an unbelievably spectacular result. Fielded in a different group to the U11A squad, the team produced 2 wins a draw and one loss throughout the day, resulting in them securing a place in the semi-finals against the eventual tournament winners CD Phoenix. In the semi final, after taking an early lead and dominating the first half they eventually lost 2-5.  U10 Player of the Tournament - Charlotte Hockney.  Players - Alicia Mulholland, Amba Gooden, Charlotte Hockney, Chloe Flynn, Emily Histed, Georgia Sargent, Lydia Rowlands, Rebecca Finch, Sophie Hart, Sophie Palmer.

U12’s

Another great day was had by Turnford U12 team…they started off slowly beating Flames by only one goal and then losing their only match to Essex team Manor 3-4…this loss only made them more determined to get back on track and by winning the rest of their matches they went through to the semi finals as runners up of their group. In the semis they came up against local team Hertford Hornets A and beat them 6 -3 to go through to the finals where they were once again having to  play Manor…sheer determination from all the squad Georgina Anstee, Phoebe Gillen, Freya Sanderson, Chloe Piper, Aimee Hatley, Jade Kersey, Luisa Newman and Rebecca Freestone led them to come away with a well deserved win of 5 – 2 to lift the winning trophy.

Results for the day ; Flames 4 -3, Manor 3 – 4, Cheshunt 11 -2, Hertford Hornets b 9 – 0, Hatfield 11 – 1, Magnets 11 – 1…..semi Hertford Hornets a 6 – 3 and final Manor  5-2.

U13’s

The U13s won their place in the semi finals finishing 1st in their section after wins against Asco A 4-2, Cheshunt 4-2, Magnets 10-0, Essex Open B 9-0, CD Phoenix 5-5, Hornets 6-4 and Flames 5-3.
The Semi found them paired against their own Turnford B Team who had performed superbly all day finishing 2nd in their group to Essex Open A. It was a thrilling match with the B team holding their own until half time. Intelligent defending from Bethany Hatherly, Amber Forrow, Ashleigh Bowman and Hazel Collins contributed to the A teams 4-0 victory.
In the final they met the might of very physical Essex Open A but the attack comprising of Jaimee Kennedy, Hannah Willis, Sarah Dawes and Lara Gamby were unfased and lead the team to a resounding 6-3 win!
Player of the tournament went to Ellie Newman for an exceptional amount of intercepts over the course of the day.

U14’s

The U14s can only be described as 'on fire'.  They played with such determination and grit all day. They beat Jade Coral 19:0, Norfolk United 14:1, Essex B 8:2, Star 16:2, Poole Jewels 6: 3, Flames 6:4 and Manor 9:0 putting them through to the semi finals where they met CD Phoenix. They ran out winners 10:8 putting them into the finals against local rivals Essex Open A. The tight defending of Nina Pattison, Stephanie Lewis-Smith and Kate Green made many turnovers to allow the excellent court play of Scarlett Barnes, Devon Ricketts and Lauren Drabwell to feed well into the circle allowing the shooters, Lottie Morrison and Jessica Merulla to perform 100% on target. They ran out winners 9:5.  This was their best performance ever and all players must be congratulated on their achievement.

U15's
The squad were down to the bare minimum, and introduced new player, Jessica Overall they performed well. They showed skill and tenacity against Star, who were runners up in the National Championships,  and they lost only by one goal 8:9.  There were moments when they should have lifted their game and perform at the level they know they are capable of. They drew a couple of games that probably should have been wins, against New Campbell 5:5 and Abbey Flyers 3:3, but took comfortable wins against Hornets 9:5, Kingswood 5:3, and Asco 9:5. They came third in the U15 section, a result they should be pleased with. Player of the Tournament went to Jemma Armitage for her tight defending.

Nottingham Netball Tournament 5^th and 6^th September 2009

U11’s

The youngest age group for Turnford came away Champions at a tournament regarded as one of the toughest in the country.

The U11 squad consisting of Jasmine Bowman, Rebecca Palmer,  Isobelle Stibbs, Lydia Rowlands, Poppy Murchison, Niamh Burns, Victoria Cookson, Abigail Berry and Alice Green continued their winning streak and outstanding form at Nottingham with straight wins against Oldham , Hertford Hornets, Ribble Valley, Hartlepool Oaksway and Tameside on Saturday, going into Sunday as leaders in their age group.  On Sunday, after a comfortable game against Ribble valley with a 7-1 win, Turnford had their hardest game of the day against Tameside being 3-0 down at half time, Turnford played their hearts out in the second half to recover to a loss of 2-3 which put them under pressure to win all their remaining games ...... and boy did they deliver ......another nail biting match against local rivals Hertford Hornets with a 6-5 win and then a 3-2 win against Oldham closing with a blistering performance against Hartlepool Oaksway with an 8-2 win. The girls displayed incredible maturity under pressure, outstanding sportsmanship with their opposition and each other and are definitely a force to be reckoned with now and in the future.  Player of the tournament went to Jasmine Bowman who in spite of switching from attack to defence showed outstanding consistency in her match play throughout both days.

U12’s

A good weekend was had by Turnford u12s netball squad at the weekend in the Yearly Nottingham Open tournament…. On Saturday they were unbeaten all day in there group. Great defending by Ellie Westhorpe, Phoebe Gillen and newcomer Georgina Anstee allowed only 9 goals to be scored against the team all day . In attack, great feeds and attacking from Aimee Hatley, Freya Sanderson and Jade Kersey kept the shooters Becky Freestone and Luisa Newman busy in the shooting circle. Undefeated on Saturday, they went through to the Cup competition on Sunday. The day started well, winning their first four matches but unfortunately a loss against the eventual winners Thameside  meant they came  away with the runners up trophy this year.

On Saturday they beat Manor 5 -3, Ribble Valley 6 -1, Hertford Hornets 10 -1, Thameside B 7 – 4, and Blackpool 7 – 0… and on Sunday Manor  9 – 4, Ribble Valley 6 – 4, Thameside A 4 – 9  Oldham 5 – 5, and Hartlepool 6 – 5.

U13’s

The U13's were slow to start on Saturday,  drawing their 1st game to Oldham 4-4 and losing to Hertford Hornets 7-2. They returned to form for the remaining matches with comfortable wins against Birmingham 12-3, Blackpool 13-0, Cliftonettes 10-1 and Yendys 10-0 taking them through to the Cup competition on the Sunday.
On Sunday they were straight out of the blocks with an outstanding performance against Hertford Hornets sealing a victory of 7-2. The whole team went from strength to strength and continued to conquer the opposition as follows, Cliftonettes 6-0, Parkside 7-1, Ribble Valley 5-5 and Tameside 6-1.

The final match was against Oldham who had also not lost a game all day. The atmosphere was electric and the squad rose to the challenge having the majority of possession and capitalising on Oldham’s unforced errors. The whole squad produced  their best performance of the weekend winning 6-2. Player of the tournament went to Amber Forrow for the consistency in her play across both days.

U14’s

With injuries and absences hindering them, this talented and versatile squad  rose to the occasion.
Reduced to only the bare 7, the heroic efforts of players like the recently injured defence,  Stephanie Lewis-Smith meant the squad had a fighting chance.  Nina Pattison switched to GD and despite the change of pace in her new role she rose to the challenge.
Scarlett Barnes was placed in the pressurised position of  Goal Shooter and certainly delivered. Versatile Kate Green moved from WD to WA and performed admirably. Devon Rickets, Lottie Morrison and Rebecca Suzan completed this exceptional line up.

 Finishing third overall, the team  were truly unlucky to have missed out on medals, losing only one game and drawing another . In the end, it wasn’t enough on the day and goal difference was their downfall. They beat Parkside 7-5,  Yendies 11-1, Birmingham 14-4, Clifftonettes 18-0, Hartlepool 15-9,  Essex 7-6, Ribble Valley  9-,6 Drew with Thameside 7-7 and lost to Oldham 11-6.

U15’s

The U15 squad , after meeting very strong opposition  at the tournament worked relentlessly and played some excellent netball , enabling them to finish the tournament in a very credible 4^th position. Both attack and defence players showed why they are in this squad working seamlessly and together  to produce some beautiful flowing netball on both days. The player of the tournament was the team captain Beth Ewin who played outstandingly on both days and showed the qualities needed of a strong leader. Scores  YWCA 6-3 (W) ,Oldham 5-11 (L), Tameside 5-7 (L), Yendis 9-4 (W), Parkside 11-4 (W).

Pontins June 2009

The Pontins Tournament held in Brean Sands is the last tournament of the season and probably the strongest.  It is held over a weekend with nearly 200 teams taking part.  Turnford entered into every age group from U11 to U16 with some superb results.

U11’s

A great start saw the U11 side finish top of their qualifying group on Saturday. With a strong defence allowing only 11 goals to be conceded all day, excellent centre court play and feeds allowed some accurate shooting to put them through to the main competition on Sunday.

A draw and 2 wins put them through to the semi finals where they convincingly beat Eagles 5-0 and that meant they would meet Tameside in the final. This match was end to end and neither team conceded a goal on their centre pass, eventually they were beaten by time and lost the match 7 - 8 to take the runners up trophy.  It was their 1st time at this competition and we are extremely proud of their performance and the continuous effort given.

Player of the tournament: Jade Kersey

U12’s

The U12's were a force to be reckoned with all weekend securing superb wins on Saturday against Woodley 10-0, Hatfield 11-0, Chelmsford 5-2, Crystal Palace 13-0, Cliftonettes 8-1, Sydenham 8-0 and Yendys 9-0 sending them straight through to the cup competition.

On Sunday the team had to re structure after GK Hazel Collins was taken ill. It did not deter this versatile team from its goal of being Pontins champions and they played the rounds with real fighting spirit. Storming through to quarter finals with wins against Treharris 7-0, Flames 5-1 and Tameside 6-0. Quarter finals brought them last years champions Oldham so they knew thay had a battle on their hands, keeping their heads they overcame them in a tight match 4-3. The semis saw them paired against the towering might of Eagles, playing with true conviction not allowing Eagles many shooting opportunities sealing a win 6-1. By the final against Copsewood Diamonds the team were starting to tire, unforced errors crept in putting the whole team under pressure but again they fought like trojans to realise their wish of becoming champions by winning 4-2. This was an immense achievement and a valiant team effort.

U13’s

The U13s were determined to give a good show. They have had an excellent season leaving every tournament entered with a medal and were not going to leave this final tournament empty handed. They played with grit and tenacity, starting the day against Treharres from Wales and beat them comfortably 12:0. This is how the day continued and the excellent shooting of Jessica Merulla and Lottie Morrison helped them to cruise through beating Hatfield 15:3, Conquerors 7:3, Fenton 7:4, Cliff Park 9:1, Birmingham 9:2 and Leamington 7:1, putting them through to the quarter finals the following day. As tempting as it may have been for these young ladies to sleep late and laugh loud, these girls were not going to miss out on their chance to complete their practically perfect season.  They came out of the starting block on fire meeting Eagles from Bedfordshire. The tight defending from Nina Pattison, Stephanie Lewis-Smith and Kate Green, allowed little past them and they ran out winners 8:1. With resolve and commitment they faced Woodley in the semi finals. The centre court play of Rebecca Suzan, Scarlett Barnes and Devon Rickett keeping the ball safe and feeding well into the circle, they came away 9:2 winners putting them into the finals against old rivals Poole from Dorset.  The game was tense and exciting and it was goal for goal and both sides were playing with such focus and courage, but as the final whistle went, Poole slotted in the winning goal.  Although the girls were disappointed, their coach, Carole Titmuss, said she was so proud of their excellent work this season and this will be the third year running that they have left every tournament with a medal.

U14’s

The U14s played well  beating Cross Keys 7:6, Birmingham 7:2,  Conquerors 7:5, Mid Sussex 14:3, Foxes 5:3, Hatfield 8:1. They met Vixens in the semi finals, but unfortunately lost out by 1 goal.

U15's

Since being crowned Pontins Champions in 2006 at U13 level this talented squad have not enjoyed the coronation ceremony for the last two years. In 2007 a dramatic slip in the rain cost them in a golden goal situation. Whilst last year, as a result of half the squad being unavailable due to attendance at the Regional Talent and Development squad trials, they did not enter a team. 2009 however saw them reclaim their crown with an emphatic performance over the two days.

The first day saw them breeze past team after team. First up were Rushmoor who were dispatched 10-0. Eagles were then beaten 8-2 followed by Hatfield 13-1, BAI 12-0, Kingsley 15-0 and Saucony 13-0.    The only slip up coming at the hand of old adversaries Tameside losing  5-4 in a bruising encounter which probably came at the wrong time of the day, having played 10 games and the girls perhaps a little tired after their previous nights antics. Well girls will be girls. However, they got back in the groove in the next game cruising past RBWM 17-2 giving an impressive 93 goals tally for only 10 against for the day.

Suitable refreshed they started the Sunday in the same vein as they had started the weekend. First up in the round robin stage were Rushmoor who once again proved no opposition being beaten 12-1. Wokingham were then dispatched 11-1, followed by Redhill 13-1, RBWM 7-2 which saw them comfortably through to the quarter finals where the beat Barr Beacon 16-2. 

Rushmoor must have been sick of the sight of the girls in black having met them twice already during the weekend and having  been comprehensively beaten both times they fared no better in the semi finals being thumped 10-1.

The final, as anticipated, was with Tameside.  If it was not for this talented squad from the Northwest the team would not experience too much competition on their travels and makes such competitions worthwhile.  This time the girls were in no mood to be out muscled or out played and in a game of high skill, pace and strength which was probably the best game of the whole tournament at any age including the U16's they emerged victors 7-6 and reclaimed their crown.  The whole squad of Charlotte Campbell, Amy Dean, Sian Green, Jas Hatherly , Faye Hoppit, Hannah Lok, Bobbi Simmonds, Sophie Stainton were awarded the player of the tournament for their outstanding performances all weekend.  Despite having won their three previous encounters with their final opponents before this weekend quite comfortably they can not rest on their laurels as no competition is ever a formality as this weekend showed and there are plenty of good teams out there.

U16’s

The U16's enjoyed their final Pontins tournament, winning many, but not enough to put them into the semi final stages, but they will leave Pontins with very memorably moments.

Picture shows U11s, U12s and U13s medalists