AMAZING NETBALL AT THE HAMPSHIRE COUNTY CUP!

It is a good job our Jets and Rockets netballers are so good at catching, because they were thrown a swerve ball before they even arrived at Southampton Sports Centre for the Hampshire Cup Tournament: having tested positive for COVID, Coach Brown was unable to attend the event. However, our fantastic and capable team of Netball Club parents stepped in and took control, with Mrs Darbyshire managing the Rockets, and Mrs Hurcombe and Mrs Barber for co- managing the Jets. The children didn’t miss a beat either, both starting the competition strongly: The Rockets posted two wins a loss and a draw before snatching lunch, while the Jets managed 4 wins.

Before 2pm there was one further match each for each team in the groups stages, with the winners of each of the four groups progressing through to the semi-finals. The Jets, now in their stride, beat St Marks Primary 8-0, to finish the group stages unbeaten and in top spot. The Rockets lost their final match against Awbridge 5-4 (a skilful and tight affair). Their results placed them second in their group and, while they were disappointed not to make it to the semi-finals, they should feel extremely proud of their efforts. (2 strong wins a draw and two tight losses) are a fantastic achievement at this level!!

The semi-final saw the Jets drawn against a familiar opposition, the winners of group C – Marchwood A.  They had beaten them in the qualifying event and managed to repeat the result with a strong 8-5 victory (definitely helped by the fantastic support from the Rockets).

So, our Supersonic Jets found themselves in their 3^rd final in 7 days. It was north of the county (Hook Primary) versus the south of the county (MOSPS) and was a thoroughly entertaining and very close match. Every time one team went ahead, the other scored to even up and this went on and on until the match was poised at 8-8.  Two goals from Hook in the final moments were countered by some great attacking play from the Jets, but sadly it was not to be and the final ended Hook 10, MOSPS 8. During the last 30 seconds of the game Ollie slipped and managed to fracture his arm, which was not the close to the tournament that anyone wanted, but we thank our court-side medical team (Mr Courts, Mrs Heneghan and manager, Mrs Hurcombe),  who took such great care of him. We wish him the speediest of recoveries!

Having lost just one game in three tournaments, we think that the Jets should feel justly proud of their position as one of the top two teams in the whole of Hampshire. We couldn’t be more proud of all that they, and the Rockets have achieved – they are two amazing teams who have done amazing things to take netball at MOSPS stratospheric this season.  Well done to all of you!

Thank you to Mrs Hurcombe, Mrs Darbyshire, Mrs Barber & Mrs Tate for everything they did on the day. From managing to umpiring, scoring and providing those all-important team talks, they had a full-on day! A huge thanks to Coach Brown too, for all the hours she has put in to coaching the children this year. It is such a shame she missed their fantastic performances at the highest level in the county.