What a weekend it was for the U14 Netball team at the North West Regional Qualifying round for the England Netball National Schools Competition! Hosted at the stunning Stonyhurst College, the team made history by qualifying for the National Finals in Sheffield on March 22nd – a huge achievement that has left everyone at Queen’s bursting with pride.
For those who may not know, this was the first time in Queen’s history that we managed to secure a win in the Cheshire round back in November. So, this journey to the regional round was already a historic moment, but the girls were determined to take it even further – and boy, did they!
A Perfect Start in the Group Stage
The competition at the regional round was tough, with the top two teams from each County in the North West battling it out. Queen’s were in Group A and faced some fierce opposition. But from the very first whistle, our girls showed their skill, composure, and determination.
- Queen’s vs. Birkenhead: 9-4
- Queen’s vs. Cheadle Hulme: 11-10
- Queen’s vs. Stonyhurst: 15-3
- Queen’s vs. Kirkby Grammar: 17-2
It was an outstanding performance across the board. Every player contributed to these dominant victories, and the team finished top of their group with a perfect record.
The Semi-Finals: A Derby Battle with The Grange
Up next were the semi-finals, where Queen’s faced off against local rivals, The Grange. A team we know well and who always give us a tough challenge, having finished second in the Cheshire round. The game was tense, but Queen’s remained calm under pressure, showing excellent teamwork and passion. The result? A well-deserved 9-2 victory that secured us a place in the final.
The Final: Gold on the Line
With both teams having already secured their spot in the National Finals, the final against Scarisbrick was all about the gold medal. And it was a final that didn’t disappoint! Both teams were brilliant, but Queen’s showed incredible resilience and tactical awareness. The final minutes were nail-biting, with both teams fighting for every point. In a thrilling finish, Queen’s dug deep, forcing a few precious turnovers in the final minutes to win 10-7.
A Historical Achievement
This victory is historic for Queen’s – the first time in our history that we’ve made it this far in the England Netball National Schools Competition. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the girls, who have been training tirelessly, giving up extra time to perfect their game, and working as one cohesive team.
As we look ahead to the National Finals in Sheffield on March 22nd, we couldn’t be more excited. This team has shown what is possible when you put in the effort, work together, and stay focused on your goals. Their achievement is already inspiring our younger pupils, showing them that with hard work, teamwork, and perseverance, anything is possible.
Looking Ahead
We can’t wait to see what’s next for this extraordinary group of athletes. Whatever happens in the National Finals, these girls have already shown what they are capable of, and we know they can go all the way. We’re incredibly proud of them – and we’re sure the whole school is cheering them on as they continue their journey.
Good luck, girls! We’ll be right behind you every step of the way!