Sedbergh School Invitational U13 Netball Festival 2009

10th November, 2009

Each autumn the Packwood U13 netball team make the long journey up to Sedbergh for their first pre-season challenge, competing in the Sedbergh School Netball Festival.

Thankfully the weather was kind to us and the Packwood girls were exceptional throughout the tournament. Their performances on court were outstanding, winning all five qualifying matches convincingly and storming to victory in the semi-final, beating old rivals Mowden 9-1. We faced unknown opposition in the final, Terrington Hall. They had also enjoyed much success during the tournament and certainly had their eye on lifting the trophy. However, we wanted it more! We were determined to reclaim the title after last year’s bitter disappointment of defeat at the hands of Mowden.

The girls were superb, dominating play from the very first whistle, capitalising on every opportunity, each player giving 100%. As a team the girls worked together so fluently with such drive, passion and a real commitment to each other that was truly inspirational. We won the match by seven magical goals and I could not have been prouder!

However, winning the trophy was not to be our only achievement of the tournament and we were thrilled to receive shields for:
The Best Defence – all thanks to the determined performances from Laura Cooke, Tilly Cooper, Cecy Price and Lucy Simpson
The Best Attack - secured by the exciting attacking play of Charlotte Greenway, Tatty Hunt, coupled with phenomenal shooting by Rosie Shone, Olivia Wade -Smith and our exceptional Captain, Immy Hill.
Immy Hill was also recognised and praised for her excellent and confident play throughout the tournament and, as her coach I was thrilled with her mature and reliable performance as Captain.

Sedbergh has become something of a tradition, a pleasure, a challenge and so very often a source of much pride. This year the pinnacle was, of course, winning back the trophy and I look forward to the challenge next year will undoubtedly bring.