Abbey A have more than proven their worth in the South Regional League this season, gaining promotion at the first attempt. A hesitant start was expected, as they were unaccustomed to the speed and aggression at this level of netball, but they overcame each team in the league on at least one occasion throughout the course of the year, even beating the eventual champions SAS on their home turf in the closing stages of the season. Shorewell were the toughest opponents that the girls had faced up to prior to Christmas, and as the return leg turned out to be the last fixture, it appeared to be a tall order to qualify for play-offs with a win required to secure second or third place. However, the motivation of the Abbey girls was high, and an exceptional performance was turned out by all squad members involved to send Shorewell back to the Isle of Wight have been convincingly beaten by a much stronger and more determined Abbey team.
As this was their debut season at this level, the Abbey A girls were happy to have even qualified for the play-offs which would determine which division they would be competing in next season. A little disappointed to have finished third rather than second, despite a superior goal average and goal difference, Abbey A arrived at the play-off venue feeling fired up and ready for a challenge against the supposedly stronger opposition of Wokingham, a team they had faced in previous seasons playing in the Berkshire Premier League. A nervous start saw a few missed chances, but once the team had settled into their rhythm, the number of goals were matched by turn-overs and Abbey stamped their authority over the game. Throughout the season, the club has been fortunate to have 14 players of a high standard available for selection for the South Regional League, and the strength in depth of the squad played a huge part in the commanding performance that Abbey turned out. Despite finishing the first quarter level at 11-11, the girls rallied and came out tougher in the second, denying the Wokingham shooters any opportunity to score. By half time, Abbey were well ahead and werre able to bring on fresh legs to ensure the momentum remained high throughout. Wokingham employed a defensive zoning tactic which was quickly sussed by Abbey, driving through centrecourt and using the long ball to counter the defence, although the oposition seemed determined to stick with their original tactics, no matter how ineffective they proved. Impressive statistics in the goal circle from the shooters ensured that Abbey maintained the lead from start to finish, with each squad member able to say they played a part in the win which led to an incredibly successful first season in the South Regional League for Abbey Netball Club.
If you are interested in continuing your netball commitment or returning to a sport you enjoyed a while ago as a student, you are still welcome to come and meet us at our training sessions on Wednesdays, in the sports hall at Headington Girls School, London Road (vehicle access is from the top of Headley Way, 100m from the London Road traffic lights; you can enter as a pedestrian from the gates opposite the end of Gipsy Lane).
The club also has thriving U12, U14 and U16 junior squads, which play in the Oxfordshire Junior League. Abbey are one of the most dominant clubs in the Junior Leagues and bring silverware back to the club every season. Training times have changed this season to accomodate the under 12's and to provide some tougher competition for each age group. Under 12's and under 14's train from 6:45 until 8pm on Wednesday evenings, with the under 16's overlapping this session to provide the younger girls with some tougher opposition. They train from 7:30 until 9pm. Senior training is held from 8.00 - 10.00pm Wednesday evenings, over 16's welcome (no upper age limit!).
Please feel free to contact us for more information on joining the club at abbeynetballoxford@hotmail.com |
