Netballers retain Felhambury Trophy

Haileybury Senior Netball teams retained the Felhambury Trophy, contested as a triangular fixture against Oakham and Felsted schools.

The 1st team had a very tight game against Oakham with both teams going goal for goal by centre pass – until Haileybury capitalised on a couple of missed passes by Oakham ending the first half 11- 7 up. Oakham were tough opponents and their shooters were on target from everywhere in the shooting area despite close marking by Jade Sexton. Then Freddie Waites intercepted a couple of high throws to the tall shooter and Haileybury were able to control the game through the centre court and onto the inform shooters – Louise Sorenson and Ellie Waters. Haileybury put in a strong, concentrated team performance to win 19-16.

Their match versus Felsted was an easier affair. Haileybury were quickly up to a 5-0 lead then relaxed too much which led to a few uncontrolled passes. With a 10-4 lead after the first half, Haileybury again took hold of the game. Captain Jess Iszatt read the opponents play beautifully and made some fine interceptions. Haileybury were 17-9 winners.

Haileybury 2nd team found themselves up against a strong Oakham side scoring goal for goal in a tight first 10 minutes. However, once they slowed the pace and eliminated their errors they soon took control, leading 9-5 at half time. In the second half, normal service was resumed as Haileybury showed their true class completely dominating Oakham, scoring twelve goals without reply to win 21-5 with shooters, Georgia Doyle and Ellie Walter, in outstanding form.

Their second match against Felsted was a much more routine affair as Haileybury 2s took an early lead and ran out 27-11 winners with Centre, Michelle Ganney, controlling play beautifully.

Haileybury 3rd team struggled to find any sort of form against a very strong Oakham side losing 8-18, but managed to completely turned things around in the match against Felsted, beating them 25-2 with GS, Sophie Simmonds scoring freely.

With a combined total of five out of six wins, Haileybury took an unassailable lead to keep both hands firmly on the trophy for another year.