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U16 squad 2010-11 roundup

U16 squad 2010-11 roundup

Elizabeth Roche29 May 2011 - 18:13
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The U16 had a strong season, finishing as champions of the London & SE Region.

The team was a mixture of some experienced players from last years squad together with some new faces and some stepping up from the U14 age group.

In Kent County Junior League, the squad finished in a disappointing third place behind Wealden & Telstars, after losing three matches, but not securing any bonus points for staying within 5 goals. Two of these matches were to Telstars and one to Wealden, where a lot of mistakes and lack of concentration cost the team dearly. At the end of season tournament, these defeats were avenged as the squad came runners up, but were beaten by a strong Sabina side who were on top form that day.

Captain Mel led the way in the centre court, and Beth, as vice captain stepped in when Mel was away on Surrey Storm duties. Megan, new to the club this year, slotted in well, both in the centre court and in the shooting circle. Beth and Alannah really combined well in the shooting circle; Alannah with her sympathetic play and well timed moves, and Beth with her strong drives and strong shots. They were ably backed up by both Megan, and Imi, whose determination and will to win always stood out whenever she took to the court.

In the defence end the squad started with a strong unit of Olivia & Ellie, backed up by Tara moving up an age group. However the loss of Ellie early on, meant that Tara really had to step up quickly, which she did, soon forming a strong unit with Olivia. Olivia was a mainstay of the team, making crucial interceptions, and bringing the ball up the court, and always there in support.

Liv P was called up into the squad and showed her versatility and can do attitude, as she switched from her more usual attacking position, into defence and then back again, playing six different positions during the season.

Mel was the leader in the centre court with her strong drives and interceptions. Tess joined the squad towards the end of the season, making an instant impact and fitting in like she had been there all year. Megan H also joined the team for a couple of matches, also acquitting herself well and gaining some valuable experience for next year.

The U16 squad player of the year was Katie Hunt. She works hard on court, defends tirelessly, makes interceptions, gets to loose balls, and takes on responsibility to get the ball up the court.

In the Regional League, the team performed strongly and was unbeaten throughout, beating both Telstars, and a strong New Cambell team. This meant that the team qualified for the National Finals in Sheffield.

The first day at Nationals was disappointing - in the morning group, a loss against Poole (with nerves on show and a lot of basic errors), followed by a win against Brigg put us in a group with Star and Eagles in the afternoon. The first half against Star was fantastic, but the squad switched off and allowed them to come back, and ended up losing. A draw against Eagles wasn't enough so the squad went into the group playing off for 13th-18th positions.

On the Sunday, the squad picked themselves up, and although they started nervously again, were much more determined, and went through the day unbeaten to finish in 13th place. The defence was particularly strong throughout, but errors in the front court were what cost the team. Although the squad was disappointed and realised they did not fulfill their potential, they should still be proud of being placed 13th in the country!

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