The Cups also started in the Michaelmas Term for our Performance Squads and it has proved to be Bradfield’s most successful season to date with two teams qualifying for quarter finals and one reaching a semi-final; outstanding achievements. The U16A Performance Squad, which included four Shell pupils, had a really successful run in the Sisters n Sport Cup. While their first game was a loss against St Helen’s and St Katherine’s (eventual finalists), they were entered into the Plate competition and they went on to beat Downe House and St Paul’s Girls School to reach the last eight. Up against Sandringham School the girls displayed moments of outstanding netball, but the opposing side narrowly took the win.
Our U15A Performance Squad, which included three Faulkner’s pupils, were the most successful Cup side this season. Losing out to Bromsgrove in Round 1, they also entered the Plate competition where the girls beat RGS Worcester, Bancroft’s School and Forest School to reach the semi-final. They took on Brighton College in a thrilling contest but unfortunately were unable to reach the final.
The U14A squad also managed to reach the last eight of the Sisters n Sport Plate, beating NLCS and Streatham and Clapham High. The girls gave it their all against Sandringham School, but they did not progress.
The block fixtures throughout the Lent Term provided an opportunity for more girls to get on the court and represent the College. Our youngest pupils showcased their thorough court attack and communication on court in a brilliant contest with Epsom, displaying the work they had been putting in during training. The block fixture against Daunstey’s in January proved to be a good challenge for our Senior girls with most teams taking a win within five. The Juniors also showcased their confidence in this block with impressive wins while the block fixture against Wellington College, always a tough opponent, was tightly contested as our 1stVII lost by three, the U16s won by one, U15s lost by one and our U14s lost by two.
