Bedfordshire Netball News

Local Netball News

Congratulations to Maulden Panthers who finished their campaign in Division 1 of the Bedford & District Youth (u16) Netball League (BDYNL) undefeated. Panthers pounced on everyone before them as they finished worthy champions with over 400 goals scored. Runners up were Wyvern Grangers Cyclones. In Division 2, Cranfield Raiders equalled Panther's success with their own undefeated league season. Comberton battled against many odds to finish solid runners-up in the same division. In Division 3, Maulden Black Cats made it three 100% records when they got the cream and became divisional winners. Wyvern Grangers Storm finishing runners up on this occasion.

Dame Alice Harpur School U15 netball squad travelled to Leicestershire to contest an East Midlands U15 tournament held at Uppingham school. Dame Alice pushed through the group stage, which included last years (U14) winners Bromsgrove of Worcestershire, to reach the semi-finals. In the Semi they played Oundle of Northants in an exciting contest which saw the only Bedfordshire representatives start to turn it on as they dominated the match. In the final, they played Bablake school from the West Midlands. The game started evenly with both teams going goal for goal, but Dame Alice just edged themselves ahead 7-6 by the half-time interval. Our local girls then served up their best netball of their undefeated day in high quality second half that saw them surge into 15-11 victory. They became the first Bedford school to win this established tournament, and with Dame Alice changing its name to Bedford Girls School, it will not reappear on the trophy even if they contest again.

Shaunagh Craig made it three consecutive seasons that Bedford has supplied England Youth internationals to contest the European Championships. Not bad considering the best 12 players from across all England get selected for this honour. Our local netball development programme must be getting something right. Shaunagh played a full part in the 2011 U19 competition, which was held in Wales. Shaunagh completed her final appearance in this tournament against Wales with Stella 100% shooting stats as she secured thirteen goals from thirteen shots. England once again proved themselves as worthy European Champions, as Shaunagh proved a worthy squad member despite not yet reaching eighteen years of age.

If you are thinking of going to Hertfordshire Mavericks' next few home games, please double check their website (see below) as tickets are almost sold out for the next two games. For information, the crowd at a recent Team Bath versus Northern Thunder contest attracted over 1000 spectators (yes 1000), despite being a televised game on Sky. For the record, Northern Thunder won and so the imminent Hertfordshire Mavericks versus Northern Thunder contest will really have an impact on the Fiat Super League standings. Currently Mavericks sit proudly at the top, as do their youth squad in their competition, with Thunder chasing hard in both cases.