Team net title after 10 years

Ashville College’s U11s netball team is celebrating after winning the HMC (Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference) competition – more than a decade since last claiming the title.

Playing in Group A, Ashville were undefeated in their qualifying games against Hymers College, Hull; Royal Grammar School Newcastle (B); Bradford Grammar School; Bradford’s Bronte House School (B); and Ackworth School, Pontefract.

Having scored 46 goals and only conceding three, they finished top of the group and progressed into the cup competition quarter finals. Here they played, and beat, Royal Grammar School Newcastle (A) by ten goals to two, to set up a semi-final clash against Yarm School.

In a tight first half, Ashville held a narrow 2-1 lead going into half time. However, in the second half they scored four more goals to win 6-1. This performance secured them a place in the final against near neighbours, The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL).

Similar to the semi-final, the first half was extremely tight with Ashville going into the break 2-1 up. The second half saw Ashville dominate and, whilst GSAL didn’t have one shot on goal, Ashville scored four more to win the final 6-1.

At the end of the tournament several staff commented on the excellent play of Ashville’s GA (Goal) Sorrel Bartle.

Duncan Archer, Head of Sports Development, and Danielle Rasbuary, Head of Prep Sport & Head of Netball, stated: “This was a splendid team effort, from defence to centre court and into attack. The performances improved throughout the day.”

They added: “This success is on the back of the U10 girls winning the HMC Junior Cross Country and both individual and team successes at the HMC Junior Swimming Gala. Well done to all the girls!”

When Ashville last won this title in 2008, the team was captained by Lucy Lister, who played netball at school, local, regional and national level. In 2015, she was an integral member of the England U18 Nets squad, which competed in Brisbane against teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

In his role as Chair of the HMC Schools Games Committee, Duncan added: “It was a privilege not only to watch our girls’ success, but also see how successful this tournament was for all the other schools who took part.

“At the same time the netball was being played the HMC Football Tournament was also being contested.

“I would like to thank Hymers College for hosting and organising both these tournaments. To see so many children have the opportunity to compete for these trophies is a credit to the hard work of all the staff at the North East HMC Schools.”