There was a quiet aura of expectation as Canford prepared for the Under 14 County Netball Championships on Saturday 15th November. We had done well in winning the qualifying round, but would we be ready for the next step given the minimal preparation time that we had had? The playing potential was there, but as the team had only a handful of games and training sessions under their belts, the coaching team had concerns over the lack of preparation.
The draw saw Canford play Bryanston in the first game and we knew we would have to be on our toes. In a tightly fought contest we managed to pull away in the second half and control the game in the later stages winning 9 - 6.
This was the start of what was to be an impressive morning from the Canford girls - where they not only rose to the challenge but went from strength to strength impressing all not only with their skill, but their ability to play together as a team.
The team got stronger and stronger as the tournament progressed, putting in an excellent team performance in their final game against Talbot Heath to win 16 - 0.
Pauline Kenward, Canford's head coach, was delighted with how quickly they are learning the patterns of play used at Canford but also in their willingness to listen and learn.
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| The winning team with their coach, Pauline Kenward. |
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Tournament results:
Bryanston W 9 - 6
Woodroffe W 14 - 2
Twynham W 11 - 4
Q.E. W 9 - 4
Leweston W 15 - 5
Talbot Heath W 16 - 0
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