Figure 1.--.
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Figure 1.--. |
Netball is very similar to basketball, but played as girls' team sport. The sport was developed when girls in the United States wanted to play school sports. Sports exprts at the time believed that rles changes were needed for girls and the result was netball. It was decied that girls were not capable of dribling which is the major difference in addition to the absence of a back board, a smaller and softer ball, and two extra players. While developed in the United States as "women's basketball", it is now virtually unknown there. While basketball is not widely played at British schools bu boys, netball as it is known in Britain has become the most important women's team sport in Britain and many Commonwealth countries.
13 games arranged: 1 cancelled: 2 won: 10 lost. With so few older girls to choose from it proved very dufficult to arrange suitable fixtures for netballers. We have played 1st. year secondary schools and top junior schools with a side including girls as young as eight, who only started playing netball this term. Despite the number of defeats the girls showed a good team spirit and played very match with enthusisam.
K.E.R., "Harecroft Hall Newsletter," December 1988.
A fairly accomplished team has represented the school this term. We saw much success and several exciting and keenly contested matches. Their early defeat against Runton Hill was intelligently and quickly put behind them and they played with increasing confidence and maturity. Five of the gearls will be in the team next year. Opponents beware!
All of the team have worked extremely hard, having only the Under 11 team on which to practice, and the good overall results have been achieved through the considerable improvement in linking passes, strong co-operation and determination. We conceded much in age, and therefore playing experience, but team spirit rarely lapsed and much credit for this must go to the captaon, Katie.
Katie has played superbly well as goal attack in all the matches. Her skill at plucking the ball out of the air, making great use of the court, and appearing in the circle to put the ball through the net required an outstanding degree of enthusiasm and effort. Those who witnessed the final match against Norwich High were suitably impressed. She was more than ably supported by Lizzie, Susie and the effervescent Nini who formed a strong combination in attack.
Jane, Caroline and Anna in defense quickly learnt that much effort would be required of them. They
responded well, pouncing on any loose balls, intercepting decisively and efficiently thwarting the opposition's moves. The strong Norwich attack proved too difficult but Jane tried magbificently having only a weakend defense to help her. You had lost two vital players, but to your credit none of you gave up. I was proud of you.
I look forward to taking you on the first ever Girls' Netball Tour in Februry.
KCB, Surge (Beeston Hall), Autumn 1988.
Our team was captained by Leah Rowxliffe, centre, and other good players were Lorna Blade, gial defense, Amay Chandler, wing attack, and Eleanor Abbott, goal attack. These four were backed up well by the rest of the team. We played well in practice but when it came to the matches, we lost all of our games. Half-colours were awarded to Leah, Amaya and Elenor.
Kate Nellist and Eleanor Abbott, Junior Wyvern (Queen's College Junior School), 1989-90.
I like netball much better than any other sport. I mean in rugby you always get covered in mudand get kicked in the teeth or get thumped in the stomach. Netball is not so violent. -- Henrietta Scott-Gall
Netball is great fun. We have Mrs Willis, Miss Judd and Mrs Gaydon. I play for the under elevens team. We have won almost all our matches apart from two. Sadly Mrs Willis is leaving to have a baby. -- Kate Mason
Great Walstead Magazine 1987.
.... By September 1983 we had said goodbye to tewlve girls over the previous three terms, and the same thought was occurring to me as to the girls -- how were we going to fill the gaps in the teams? Not all of these twelve were seniors of course, but replacements had to be found for those who were. However, after the first few weeks of term, the girls soon found that playing in different positions is not only possible but even enjoyable. With so few people to choose from, adaptability is one of greatest virtures! Lack of height at all levels seemed to be our major stumvling block. Spped and skill can count for a great dealin netball, but at this level the tall girls will nearly always win positions. ....
Madeleine Cullen, The Bramcote Magazine, Autumn 1984.
