Mid Sussex Netball U14s off to National Clubs Finals

This is the first time since 1999 that MSN have made it to the National Clubs Final, and all at the club are extremely proud of the girls and their achievement.

Sussex is part of England Netball’s South Region, and having qualified in September in the Top 8 club teams within this large region (including Oxon./Bucks/Sussex/Hants./Berkshire and IOW), the girls have travelled far and wide every other Saturday from September to April to play league matches at the highest level of competitive club netball available to them at this age.

The MSN U14 Regional squad consists of 18 very committed young netballers, and through the season, a core group of 12 of these girls, coming from 10 different schools, have had the chance to play in these Regional matches.

Coach Anna Helps believes ‘The success the girls have had this season has been a couple of years in the making. MSN has worked with the girls on their netball fundamentals, moving onto layering skill upon skill as they have developed, giving them a ‘toolbox’ that they can call upon in different situations. As a coach, I very much believe in developing ‘thinking players’, who make the right decision at the right time on court, and can adapt to the opposition of the day’.

‘Excellent vision from both Emily Appaya and Freya Finnegan has delivered the ball to the shooters quickly throughout the season, and along with accurate feeding from Sophie West, the attack has worked very slickly. The shooting combination of Erin Ross and Anna Frost has given us both great height and accuracy in the circle, and the girls have worked excellently as a unit to create space under pressure. Ellen Marchant has dominated the transition from defence to attack, and Niamh Love has defending tirelessly, causing many headaches for the opposition.

Amber Anning has made one interception after another with a hugely strong aerial game, and Evie Emmott has silently closed down opposing shooters, making it very difficult for them to receive the ball. Kalea Stagg, Olivia Gunn and Erin Ridley have shown huge tenacity and commitment, travelling long distances and playing their part on court in a composed and focussed manner.’

‘The squad has been 100% committed both to training and matches, and it really shows that this is essential to have success at this level of netball. A key support team of helpers, scorers and tea makers also need thanking, as the matches cannot take place without them!’

Exciting and intense matches were seen every week, with the result often being decided only in the last few minutes. Towards the end of the season, a highly charged and crucial win over Eagles secured the place that the girls very much deserved in the National finals. Bring on Newcastle……..!

Mid Sussex Netball Club offer netball to girls aged 8-16. We are a Silver CAPS accredited club.

For further information, contact Club Development Officer Sue Binns at: [email protected]