Year 9 Netballers Win NEEBSA Netball League

Magherafelt High hosted the NEBSSA Netball League finals on Monday 24th March.

Similar to the victorious Year 8 netballers, the year 9 netball team have also had a very successful season, winning all their section matches to reach the finals. The team faced Ulidia Integrated (Carrickfergus) in the NEELB final and naturally the girls were a little anxious as they hadn't played them before but had reports on how good a team they were.

The Magherafelt High School team had a poor start to the game, failing to communicate and passing the ball without 'looking-up'. The team were making lots of silly mistakes, totally out-of-character based on their season up to this, arguablt thier most important game. Ulidia took advantage of these mistakes and punished the girls with some easy goals. After the first quarter, the teams were well-matched at 4 goals each. The Magherafelt High School girls knew they still had another gear to move up into and after a rousing team talk from Coach Wade, the team set about playing like they knew they could.

The team communicated better, 'looked-up' more and were inspired by some impressive passing from Megan Porter and Jordyn Ferguson, who got the ball in to Naomi Yorke to score often at will. By half-time the girls were wining 10-5. Who said there was no room for 'Alex Ferguson-esque' team talks in a young ladies sport!

Sian Hogg was the player of the match. Her defending was resolute, intercepting so many of Ulidia's passes that their coach thought Sian was one of their players! Sian and Libby worked tirelessly marking Ulidia's excellent 'Goal Attack' look pedestrian. Shevach was also impressive in Goal Keeper and her jumping and marking were exceptional, preventing Ulidia from scoring on several occasions.

The game finished 21 goals to 10 in favour of the Magherafelt High School girls. A marvellous victory over a great team from Ulidia. Mr Elder presented the girls with their Medals and the trophy to Shevach, the team captain. Well done girls!

 (Photo to follow)