Age group: Under 19
League: Southern Region League
Division:

LIGHTNING STRIKE!!

MK NETTERS LIGHTNING SQUAD ARE

SOUTHERN REGION U19 CHAMPIONS 07/08

This year for the 1st time we were able to enter a highly talented if young squad, into the very competitive Southern Region U19 championship.

The squad comprising of many of the U16 girls that had excelled by finishing runners up at the national Pontins tournament in the summer of 2007, were expected to compete well against very strong opposition with more experience at this level.

Once again, the squad exceeded all expectations, coached astutely and with real vigor by Tracey Pennell, they won 12 of their 14 games amassing an outstanding 63 from 70 points and finishing in a convincing 1st place!

The Southern Region U19 league contains strong local opposition from other Buckinghamshire clubs such as Phoenix and Bucks Swans, but also clubs from as far afield as Oxford, Southampton and Portsmouth. Many of the teams competing at this level for a number of years.

The tone was set by Lightning as they stormed through the first half of the season winning all 7 games, scoring freely and conceding less than any other team. A narrow defeat to Eagles in the first match after Xmas made the trips to Bucks Swans and Just Ahead of Portsmouth crucial. In both games the team showed tenacity and resilience to win by a single goal each time, whilst the championship was clinched with one game to go with a strong 56 - 30 defeat of Trinity Oxford.

The Netters U19 squad is highly talented and many of the girls have received recognition for some outstanding netball. We have players at both Mavericks and Loughborough Lightning National Talent Squads, as well as the East Midlands Development Squads, and in the case of Stephanie Collard - ENGLAND!

Congratulations to all involved and well done for a fantastic season!!

Graham Jackson

Publicity Officer

Team: (not in order)

Hayley Brook, Stephanie Collard, Chloe Dickinson, Nicola Elliott,
Ashleigh Flynn, Naomi Holness, Beth Jackson (Vice-Captain), Kelly Ludlow,
Hannah Scott, Carly Snow (Captain), Charlotte Stanford, Mhairi Taylor, Emma Thompson

U17 SQUAD EXCEL AGAIN!

Very early on Sunday 15th June a youthful but extremely talented U17 squad, comprising of many of the successful Pontins team along with some very skilled newer players set off for the GS4 Netball Centre in East Grinstead.

The team faced a grueling schedule of  nine 14 minute matches during the day on brand new purpose built courts.

A strong start saw the team win their first 3 matches against strong U16 opposition from Tegate and Telstar Netball clubs. Wins against Dominoes and CD Phoenix club from Sussex made it six straight wins, with a 27 - 3 victory over CD Phoenix Pinks outstanding!

A top of the table clash against a skilled Telstars U17 team lead to a narrow defeat but the team raised their game again to beat Trinity and Tegate U17's and finish with a fantastic 41 points from the available 45, and a highly credible runners up position.

The team played some fantastic netball with all players excelling, their attitude, spirit and enthusiasm was unquestionable, and this lead to them being awarded the coveted "Fair Play Trophy" in addition to the Runners Up medals and cup! Well Done to all involved.

Footnote:

During a tough match against Trinity of Oxford, Nicola Elliott, Netters' all action Centre, fell heavily and sustained a serious knee injury. The team would like to dedicate their success to her and wish her a speedy recovery.

Graham Jackson

(Proud Parent)

Congratulations!

Hayley Brook - Loughborough Lightning NTL Squad 07/08

Stephanie Collard - Mavericks NTL Squad 07/08

Bethany Jackson - East Midlands Regional Talent Squad 07/08

Stephanie Collard at National Screening in March 08! - Stephanie made the England Talent 2 squad - A fantastic achievement - WELL DONE!!!

Season 2008/09 - U19 Regional Squad Trials

Unfortunately we have had to postpone trials for the U19 squad scheduled for Saturday 19th July. Watch this space for new details............