Both the Turnford U14 and U16 squads played in the regional round of the National Netball clubs tournament. Both squads went through undefeated as winners and will represent the East in the National club finals.
It was an exciting day for the u14 national squad, knowing they had to finish top two to qualify for the national finals. They opened their account with a 22-1 win over Thoroughbreds. The whole squad took to court throughout the group stage, each one giving their all to ensure qualification into the semi-finals, which they did so with some emphatic victories. In the semi-final they were drawn against Saffron Hawks, but again, a squad effort saw them take the win 20-4 and book their place in the national finals. In the final, the u14s were drawn against the other Hertfordshire qualifiers, Hatfield. The defensive duo of Mia Andrews and Peace Akinyemi were on fire to ensure the attack were provided with plentiful opportunities and Turnford came out winners, 8-6. The squad are very much looking forward to making their claim for the national title in Newcastle at the end of May.
Squad:
Maisy Henn,Sophie Lennon,Abby Hockney ,Hannah Parkinson ,Amelie Anstead,Neave Wilson,Tianna Quartey,Zoe Wood,Toni Akinlola,Mia Andrews
Bella Pownall, Peace Akinyemi.
It was an exciting day for the u14 national squad, knowing they had to finish top two to qualify for the national finals. They opened their account with a 22-1 win over Thoroughbreds. The whole squad took to court throughout the group stage, each one giving their all to ensure qualification into the semi-finals, which they did so with some emphatic victories. In the semi-final they were drawn against Saffron Hawks, but again, a squad effort saw them take the win 20-4 and book their place in the national finals. In the final, the u14s were drawn against the other Hertfordshire qualifiers, Hatfield. The defensive duo of Mia Andrews and Peace Akinyemi were on fire to ensure the attack were provided with plentiful opportunities and Turnford came out winners, 8-6. The squad are very much looking forward to making their claim for the national title in Newcastle at the end of May.
Squad:
Maisy Henn,Sophie Lennon,Abby Hockney ,Hannah Parkinson ,Amelie Anstead,Neave Wilson,Tianna Quartey,Zoe Wood,Toni Akinlola,Mia Andrews
Bella Pownall, Peace Akinyemi.
Turnford U16 arrive at a cold and rainy Stanborough for the Regional Round of the National Club Championships . Having won the County round of Nationals late last year, The top two teams in this competition move forward to National Club Final with the goal to be crowned National Champions. The squad, although missing some players, were excited for the regional challenge. Up first were local team Hertford Hornets – Turnford took a few minutes to settle but once they settled into their stride, some great netball was played. Turnford took the win 18-4. Next up were Co-Jags who Turnford had last faced in the regional final two years previously. Again Turnford got off to a shaky start in the wet and windy weather but secured the win 14-6. The closest match of the day for our U16s came against Star, but Turnford held strong and again won 10-6.
With 3 matches remaining in the group stages and the weather getting worse, the team knew that by working together they could finish the group undefeated. They achieved this with wins against Ipswich (14-6), Tegate (10-6) and finished on a high beating Thoroughbreds 19-2. They were through to the semi-finals!
In the semi-final Turnford faced Saffron Hawks. The first half of this game was a close affair with both teams aware that the winner was guaranteed a place at National finals. When the half time whistle blew Turnford had a small lead 5-3. Following a rousing team talk from coach Carole Titmuss, Turnford came out all guns blazing – taking the match in magnificent style and restricting the opposition to just one goal in the half - 13-4!
Next up the final v Norfolk United. Turnford were now playing their best netball and knew that they had the ability to win. And win they did, taking the final 17-7 and again becoming Regional Champions.
Their delighted coach, Carole Titmuss had this to say: I am so excited by the prospects of this squad and we are all looking forward to the challenge on the 28th/29th April . At Nottingham University.
Squad: Sienna Rushton © Jemima Bexley, Amy Rule, Courtney Ferns, Megan Thomas, Ellie Oswick, Tobi Unuefa, Francesca Baylis, Jasmine Harvey-Stone, Kayla Jordan, Kate Henshall