On the Saturday, after a slightly panicky late arrival, the U12s & U13s swung into action. It was an incredibly hot day and the girls stamina really shone through as they all competed hard until the end.

The U12s had a tough day and unfortunately didn't manage to win a match, despite playing some really good netball at times. They were missing 7 of our usual U12 squad (with 6 playing up in U13's and 1 unfortunately ill) so it was a great learning experience for this group. Players of the day were actually the two U11s in the squad - Sophie for her amazing energy in defence, taking loads of interceptions, and Sienna who had a huge work rate in the centre court both in attack & defence.

The U13s also had a shaky start losing their first match against Fareham Fireflys and not getting a point! However they then put on a great string of results, winning the next 4 before facing hosts Dreams. With the team that beat us in round one also only losing to Dreams, and having got a point from them, it looked like our semi-final chances were gone when we also lost. However whilst in the post-tournament photo shoot (!) the news came through that Fireflys had unexpectedly lost their last match and so we were in the semi-final! We dashed on to court but following an evenly matched first half, a strong Eagles team were too much for us to handle, and they went through to the final. These results and the excellent play of the team was fantastic and made all the more incredible knowing that there were only actually three U13 players in the team. We also had four U12 players and two U11 players, Roxie & Tiggy who were joint players of the day - Roxie for her incredible work rate and offers in the centre court, and Tiggy for some amazing interceptions and general excellent defence against some much bigger opponents.

Day 2 saw the U14s & U15s in action, and if anything it was even hotter than the day before!

The U14s had a lot of matches (11) and luckily a big squad (11), with three U13s playing up (including Jess doing her second day in a row!). Despite lots of changes so all the squad got plenty of court time, they all worked really hard for each other and were rewarded with some excellent results - 8 wins, 1 draw & 2 losses (to the eventual top 2). This meant they finished third overall in their group - a great result against some strong opposition. Player of the day was Jamie who was sensational in defence, reading play well, taking interceptions & rebounds and bringing the ball through the court well.

Unfortunately poor Holly sustained a broken collar bone, after a collision with a robust WD, and we wish her speedy healing - she was very brave. It was also lovely to have Hristiyana there to support the team as she continues her recovery from her ACL injury.

The U15s had three U14s playing up and they all slotted in seamlessly. 6 wins and 2 losses also saw them finish 3rd in their group, with all of the squad getting plenty of court time. The day will hopefully be great preparation for the U16 regional qualifier next season. Player of the day was Lucy Waters, who showed great maturity in the centre court, with strong offers and great alertness to get back on defence quickly.

Big thanks to our umpires Shannon, Chantal & Chrissie, and to our coaches Brooke (U12), Liz (U13), Pauline (U14), & Debbie (U15).

All the teams most definitely deserved their ice creams and smoothies on the way home!

Full results:

U12s

v Team Matrix - lost 1-20
v B's - lost 1-10
v Eagles 2 - lost 2-8
v Swan - lost 3-4
v NRG - lost 4-5
v Magic - lost 1-7
v North Dorset lost 1-5

U13s

v Fareham Fireflys - lost 4-9
v Woodley - won 5-4
v Jellies 1 - won 6-5
v North Dorset - won 4-2
v Spire Red - won 9-3
v Dreams - lost 7-10
Semi-final v Eagles - lost 11-6

U14s

v Bournemouth 2 - won 16-0
v Swan - won 7-6
v Magnets - won 3-2
v NRG - won 9-4
v Fleming - won 10-2
v Fareham Fireflys - drew 6-6
v Sussex - lost 4-6
v Bournemouth 1 - won 7-2
v Surrey Stars - lost 4-7
v Newbury - won 7-2
v Wimbourne - won 11-8

U15s

v NRG - won 9-7
v CD Phoenix - won 8-0
v Dreams Orange - won 10-2
v Hatfield - lost 5-8
v Rushmoor - won 14-10
v Woodley - lost 14-10
v Dreams Purple - won 17-0
v Magnets - won 7-6