Champion display in regional contest
STRATFORD Girls' Grammar School (SGGS) u19 netball team is now West Midlands champions, which is the first in the school’s history and they will now compete in the national finals in March.
The team – made up of girls from the Stratford area – recently competed in regional finals where they played six games. SGGS finished second in their group so ended up in a semi-final against Wrekin College who finished top in the other half of the draw.
In the semi-final SGGS won by one goal, which meant they qualified for the final where they played Bromsgrove and beat the opponents by four goals to be crowned champions for 2024.
Team captain Daniella Carr said: “I am so honoured to captain this team through to the nationals for the second time. It is going to be an amazing experience and I am really looking forward to our performance. I am so proud of this team and am really glad to be working with an amazing group of girls who all work so hard for each other.”
Emily Dent, physical education teacher at SGGS, who leads the netball team, said: “This u19 team are one of the best teams I have worked with, not just in terms of their ability and skill on the court but how they lead, communicate and care for each other off the court.
“Last year, this team qualified for the national finals for the first time in our school's history, so to do this two years running is something special. The captains, Dani and Charley, are excellent role models and are the driving force behind the success.
“At the West Midlands regional finals, every game was as tough as the next. We were up against the toughest schools from across the region including many private schools.
“However, each game the team pulled together and worked for each other on court. The semi-final was the highlight of the day as we won this by just 1 goal. Overall, we ended the tournament unbeaten and I'm so proud that we are u19 West Midlands champions.”
The top 18 schools from across nine English regions will compete in the England Netball National Finals which take place at Oundle School, near Peterborough, on Saturday 16th March.
