TWGGS U14 Netball team entered the London & South East Regional Finals last Sunday. It was a very wet and windy day but that did not put a dampener on the event as all teams were very much looking forward to the day. For our first match TWGGS came up against a very strong Lady Eleanor Holles team. Both teams made a positive start with strong passing and quick movement around the court, there was not much between the two teams. After a closely contested 1st half, L.E.H. managed to turnover the ball early in the 2nd half to gain a slight lead. Despite TWGGS efforts L.E.H secured a 10-7 win.

Now the first match nerves were out the way TWGGS managed to make a collective effort to establish more confidence on the court, making excellent passes and dominating the games. They won the next 3 games convincingly beating Cranleigh 9-1, St Catherines 14 – 6 and Frances Bardsley 7 – 2.  On a high from their last 3 wins TWGGS really started to believe they could be in with a chance of coming in the top 4 which was their target.

Next, TWGGS faced old rivals Tonbridge, and with most of the girls knowing each other through Club Netball tensions were very high! Tonbridge played well and gave TWGGS a challenging task to beat them. Defenders Lucy Gripper and Hattie Grant were outstanding and were crucial in ensuring TOGS attack did not do too much damage. With excellent passing by the centre court players, in particular Danni Dungate, TWGGS were able to sustain a firm win with the final score being 8 – 6.

Tough opponents Bancrofts were up next, who like TWGGS had only lost 1 game. The pressure was on as they had to win this game to allow them a chance of qualifying for the Nationals. Both teams played their hearts out, and all the attention was on our court. Shooters Sophia Scott and Holly Turner did amazingly well to shoot so accurately under pressure. Georgia Nokes, Emily Galloway, Georgie Fenton and Immy Dorricott worked hard to turn over the ball and in the 2nd half TWGGS gained the lead and looked stronger and stronger to finally win the game 7 – 5.

TWGGS now knew the Nationals were there for the taking if they wanted it! The final game was against Godophin and Latymer who we had to draw against or win to qualify. TWGGS stayed focused and took control at the start of the game, the whole team really dug deep to find that extra bit of effort and fitness needed to dominate the game. They secured a lead through the 2nd half and as the whistle blew TWGGS knew they had won and players and supporters were ecstatic and in elation as it was confirmed that TWGGS had got through to the National Finals in March.

This is the first time a TWGGS Netball team has reached the National Finals and the team should be very proud of their achievements. Player of the tournament goes to Danii Dungate.

Congratulations to the following; (hand out Medals & Certificates)
Joint Captains Holly Turner and Sophia Scott, Dani Dungate, Hattie Grant, Lucy Gripper, Emily Galloway, Georgia Nokes, Georgie Fenton and Immy Dorricott.