On Wednesday 8th February, Buckland hosted the annual Spelthorne netball tournament. With three teams competing across 2 different levels of competition there was lots of netball to be played. For many of the children playing, it was their first time playing a competitive netball match and for some their first time representing the school.
The Buckland Reds (wearing red bibs) started by playing the first game of the competition. Their nerves were very quickly put to rest as they dominated the game winning 16 – 1. For a match that only lasted 14 minutes that was an incredibly impressive result.
The Buckland Blues then played Springfield whilst the final Buckland team, wearing a slightly darker Blue started their campaign against a tough Laleham team. Laleham were tough competition eventually beating Buckland whilst the other Buckland team overcame Springfield for their first win.
I know, having 3 Buckland teams playing is hard to keep up with but we’ll try our best.
The Buckland reds then took on Laleham who had defeated the other Buckland team. This was a much tougher game then their previous game. Our attacking line however was just too strong for Laleham and by half time it was 3 – 0. In the second half Laleham did come back within 1 point but our shooters were just too good, eventually winning the game 6 – 3. Whilst that match was going on, the Buckland light Blues were on the other court cruising to a second victory against St Nicks, winning 7 – 0 at the final whistle.
The Buckland dark Blues then faced the second St Nicks team. A match that was extremely even and could have been won by either team. Overall, the 1 – 1 draw was probably a fair result.
The Buckland Blues then played their final match against Laleham. Whoever won that match would win that tournament along with the trophy. On the other court both Buckland teams were playing each other. The Reds knowing a win would see them win their tournament whilst the lighter blues were in with a shot for the bronze medal, depending what the score was. The Buckland Laleham match was always going to be a tough match, Laleham have always been strong at Netball but so have Buckland. Although it was a close match, Buckland were victorious, winning the match 4 – 0.
Over on the other court, The Buckland Reds were well in control, scoring freely as they had done so all tournament. Although the final score was 9 – 1 to the reds. The light blues had done enough to secure 3rd place based on goal difference.
A huge congratulations to everyone who played in the tournament. All three teams were incredible. For a large number of these children this was their first experience of a competitive netball match and they all conducted themselves brilliant. I could not be prouder of them all.
Winning both competitions is an incredible achievement, one I think that anyone will be hard pressed to beat.
It’s going to be a good year for netball.
