Somerset Spartans Netball

What a day on Saturday! Restrictions were lifting and the Netball comp was back on. Thanks to Helen Hockings’ work as our Covid Safe officer, all the paperwork was in place and all we needed was that first whistle to blow.

Under 7

First up we saw our seven year old friends, proudly wearing the Spartans Shirts with pride as they ran around the grass courts under the watchful eye of their coach April McMullen (Class of 2019).

Under 8 Blue

Other early starters were our team, who are now veterans of the game having started their Netball journey last year, in the Under 7s'. Their proud coach Rylee Burns (Class of 2019) was pleasantly surprised at their skills and we even scored a few goals, which pleased the crowd.

Under 9

These students in Years 3 and 4 were under the watchful eye of coach Andrea Harris who took to the courts with a few nerves. With the weather putting on its best show, the side came away pink cheeked and full of smiles.

Under 10

Our Year 4s were next up and April swiftly moved from court to court to ensure they were fully prepared. It will be a tough year for these girls as they play full rules and full post heights against teams who have been together for a few years, it will be a huge learning curve and we know they are ready to step up.

Under 8 Green

team are another group of keen newcomers to the sport and we are not sure who was more excited, the girls or their parents, coach Rylee leading the way once more.

We also had some of our friends in Prep and Year 1 take part in the ‘net’ beginners sessions run by the association with Assistant coaches Lili Bannerman and Isabella Seymour volunteering with the skill sessions.

And then the ‘serious’ comp starts…. The Junior League.

Under 11

The girls in Year 5 are under coach Lola who was a bit nervous as to how we would go in Division 2. The teams were neck and neck for the first three quarters and then pipped at the post in the last quarter. We saw loads of positives and a few things to work on!

Under 13 Blue (Division 2)

Year 6, 7 and 8 girls coached by Rylee who was looking at this team to work out her best combinations. She produced a winning formula to get the first win of the season under her belt.

Under 14 White (Division 1)

Years 7, 8 and 9 coached by Sheryl Burns who has done a lot of work with this squad and the work is paying off. They pulled off a massive win, setting their sights early on the grand final.

Under 14s Blue (Division 2)

These girls (in Years 7 and 8, coached Andrea Richards) had to dig deep. They did not have any reserves and were playing in the heat of the midday sun. They started strong and kept their cool, showing superior fitness. They have also shown they are serious contenders for their grand final.

And the last game for the day ...

Under 13 Green (Division 4)

The team of Years 6 and 7 girls were short of players but thankfully two Year 6 girls Daisy and Noku were able to play (and have now joined the team). We started off with an early lead and despite the heat and a slight lack of match fitness, pulled off a win.

A massive thanks to all our coaches, umpires and team managers who contributed to the success of Saturday.