Sisters ‘n’ Sport National Finals
Congratulations to our U14 Girls Netball team, who finished third in the Sisters n Sport Final Four National Finals. Having made their way through the preliminary rounds with some great results against teams from all over the North West, they qualified for the final four event to be held at Loughborough, where they played out against other region winners to see who would be crowned National champions. Report below written by Netball Coach, Miss Smith.
U14s Sisters n Sport Final Four – A Journey of Resilience and Determination
The U14s girls’ netball team had an unforgettable experience at the Sisters n Sport Final Four event, which saw them travel bright and early to Loughborough for what promised to be a thrilling day of competition. The girls were buzzing with excitement as they set off, and the energy only grew when they had the incredible opportunity to meet Shadine Van Der Merwe, South African Goal Defence and Berri Neal, England Netball Goal Attack, who both play for Loughborough Lightning.
A Strong Start Against St. George’s, Ascot
The girls’ first match was against St George’s, and they made an impressive start. They came out strong, winning the first quarter and showcasing some excellent teamwork and skill. However, St George’s, who were fierce competitors, quickly upped their game. The match continued to be a tough battle, with both teams giving their all. Despite Westholme’s determined effort, St George’s proved to be a tough opponent, eventually securing the win. This was the team that went on to win the Gold Medal, but in true Westholme style, the girls didn’t let the loss discourage them—they took it as a learning experience and looked ahead to their next challenge.
Regrouping for Bronze Glory
Following the loss, the team regrouped, debriefed, and set their sights high on earning the Bronze Medal. The long wait until their next match gave them time to focus and prepare. The girls had the opportunity to participate in a photoshoot, bringing a sense of fun and excitement to the day. Meanwhile, our shooters took full advantage of the final hour before the bronze medal match, practicing their shooting and fine-tuning their skills at the post to ensure they were ready for the tough challenge ahead.
The Bronze Medal Match – A True Test of Character
When the time came for the Bronze Medal match against Easington Academy, Westholme started strongly, playing with confidence and determination. However, in the second quarter, Easington Academy started to creep back in, making it a close contest. The pressure mounted, but the team remained focused and resilient. During the final team talk, Miss Smith reminded the girls that they had only seven minutes left of hard work to secure the bronze medal, prompting them to leave everything on the court, with all ten girls playing their part in the match. The girls responded with sheer grit and determination, delivering an exquisite performance in the final quarter, winning 14-0. The final score finished 26-12 in Westholme’s favour, securing the Bronze Medal and demonstrating their unwavering spirit. Beating Easington Academy in this match ensured that Westholme was crowned the top team in the North, a fantastic accomplishment to add to their success.
A Standout Performance
A special mention must go to Year 7 student Maria Johnson, who was named Player of the Match in the Bronze Medal game. Maria’s performances in the semis and Bronze Medal match was outstanding, and her composure and skill under pressure were vital to the team’s success.
Proud Coaches, Looking Ahead to Next Year
Both Miss Smith and Mr Barnett are incredibly proud of the girls, not only for their skill on the court but for their resilience, teamwork, and positive mindset throughout the day. The journey wasn’t easy, but the girls showed that hard work and determination always pay off. With their eyes set on next year, the PE department are already looking forward to more challenges and successes ahead. A massive congratulations to all the girls for their hard work and an unforgettable experience. The future is bright for this talented team!
A Comment from the Director of Sport, Mr Purdy
Mr Purdy, the Director of Sport, was thrilled with the girls’ performance at the Sisters n Sport Final Four event. He said, “This event was a true test of character for the team. From their strong start to their determination in the Bronze Medal match, the girls displayed an incredible amount of resilience and teamwork. To secure the bronze medal after such a tough competition speaks volumes about their work ethic and mental strength. I couldn’t be prouder of how they handled both the highs and the challenges throughout the day. This is just the beginning, and I’m confident that with this level of dedication, the team will continue to achieve great things in the future.”
Mr Purdy also took a moment to thank the dedicated staff who helped make the event such a success. “I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Miss Smith, Mr Barnett, and all the staff who supported the team on the build up to the Finals. Their commitment, encouragement, and guidance played a huge role in helping the girls reach this stage. It’s a team effort, and we are incredibly grateful for their hard work and support.”
