In the first week back after half term Francis Holland Sloane Square hosted our second Varsity netball tournament against FHS-NW1. Having won the tournament previously, there was much at stake for SW1.

The netball court was awash with colour with red and blue balloons, bunting and ribbons flapping in the wind as both teams began warm ups.

The concept had evolved from our first Varsity meeting. This year saw the inclusion of all squads from years 7-13. Each would play their opposition team for NW1 and the school with the most wins overall, wins the Varsity Cup!

The atmosphere was electric! Pupils from all years had gathered at the court to show their support.

It was the Year 7s who took to the court first led by captain Victoria. A buzz of excitement from both teams filled the court and the game was neck and neck. At half time SW1 were slightly ahead but NW1 pulled the score back to within 1 goal in the second half! The final score was 6-5 to Sloane’s square. A well fought match and well-earned first win for SW1.

Next up was the U13 team. They had already met earlier in the season and the team had secured a win but only by a small margin. However, the U13s need not have worried as they dominated play from the first whistle. Excellent attacking play in the center court from Helena and Bea allowed SW1 to keep majority of possession, and consistent shooting from Grace saw SW1 stretch their lead. The U13s continued to apply pressure up until the final whistle and finished with a dominant score of 17-3 to SW1. A second secured win for SW1!

The pace of the U14 match was even faster and the skill of the players was evident on the court. Both teams were fighting for every ball and the score kept with the centres. A dominant circle performance from Tara and Margo kept SW1 in touch of the title as the score was level at half time. Our Captain Chloe rallied her team for the second half, a nail biting second half ensued and a last-minute goal from Margo saw SW1 secure the win by 1 goal. Another fantastic performance for SW1, pushing our lead further ahead going into the last 2 matches.

The U15 match did also not disappoint. This squad had never lost to NW1 in their 4-year history, so there was much at stake. A strong defensive performance from Grace prevented NW1 goal scoring opportunities, and a well-rehearsed attacking circle in Ella and Maria, saw SW1 push ahead. This continued throughout the game, and the girls continued to turn over their centres. A fantastic performance and superb result, 17-6, another win for SW1.

As the first VII warmed up the sidelines increased in volume as girls realised a win here, would see a clean sweep for SW1 and the Varsity cup would be awarded to Sloane Square.

SW1 first team demonstrated their prowess with exceptional attacking and defensive play throughout. Superb movement on court and tactical application saw SW1 take a strong lead into half term. SW1 continued to net goals throughout the second half and managed to net 22 goals in total, averaging over 1 goal every minute! The final whistle blew, and we had secured the win. An excellent achievement and demonstration of the all the hard work the girls had put into their netball this term.

Well done to all of the girls who participated in this super event! We cannot wait for next year already!

(Mrs Allen – Head of Senior PE)