Loran Wyatt

My International netball journey began in March 2008 when I was not selected during trials in Bath. I was bitterly disappointed because I knew that I could have done better, and I wanted to make sure I had another chance.

When I was invited to trial again in December 2008 my joy soon turned to disappointment as I had to decline because I had been diagnosed with a double stress fracture of my lower spine in October. When I was invited to trial again in March 2009 I was both prepared and ready to give my all. It was a tough trial, but I was successful and joined the U17 training squad of about 24 girls. It helped to have a mate from my club involved, and working with new coaches & players was excellent.

During the summer we attended monthly training camps. To make further progress, I knew I had to give even more as the training squad was full of very talented players. My goal was to make the 2010 European U17 Championship match squad.

The final selection trials for the 2010 European champs were held on December 22nd 2009. It was hard to keep focused on training with all my GCSE exams, but I seemed to pull it off. At the end of the trial, letters advising each player whether they had, or had not, been selected were placed on the floor. As a group, we all had to walk up and collect our own envelope. I could not believe it, I had been selected. I wanted to scream out, but I looked around to see if any of my mates were smiling some were, some were not. It was a hard moment, but as in all sport there are winners and losers.

My joy was matched by Shaunagh, my local club mate and regular training partner. We had both made it. We hugged and of course quickly sent texts to everyone we knew. It felt great, but actually we under estimated that we would now need to work even harder to ensure we were ready. The Euro Champs were in mid March and so we only had 11 weeks. We received our training and match kit early. I could not resist some photos in the dress, and my parents went mad with an almost full photo shoot.

On arrival at Belfast, we met up with the rest of the squad and went to the hotel. All the players from all the countries were at the same hotel. Once checked in, we were allocated room-mates. I was really pleased to be put with Olivia Mason. Later that first day we went down to the venue to try the court surface and see the set-up.

I was told on the day of the first match that I would be in the starting seven for the first game against Wales. I was so excited, and a little nervous, as were most of the squad. We had a very experienced squad, certainly more experienced than Wales, but we knew everybody expected us to play well and win.

To hear your name called out as you ran onto the court, in the England dress, in front of a good crowd, was just amazing. However, we were all focused on the game plan and so it seemed to pass quickly. We didn’t get off to the best start. Everyone seemed a little nervous and we did not connect on the court like we had in training and practise matches. We lost the first quarter, our coaches tried to calm us down and to help us adapt. We were only slightly behind and we all knew we could play better. The second quarter was an improvement and we came back into the game. My opponent was a large and skilful GS. She certainly had been doing her shooting practise. The coaches saw a need to change tactics and I was replaced at GK. To watch the game unfold from the bench was also very exciting. I found myself encouraging louder than ever before. The tide had turned and we went ahead, and although it remained close, we ran out 39-37 winners.

Our next game was against Scotland. On paper it appeared our easiest game of the tournament, but we knew we had to start better than we had against Wales. I was not in the starting seven, but I knew it was just as important to keep supporting and to be aware of developments in case I had to come on. The first few minutes were equal, and then we got into our stride. I was brought on in the final quarter for my second international appearance and it was good to play in a relaxed atmosphere as the final score of 64-15 shows our domination. Our spirits were high after such a good win and we knew it all came down to the last match.

We managed to get some sleep, and even the slightly earlier start did not seem to distract us. When we got to the venue, I was told that I was starting. Wow! it would mean that I would play a part in all three games, and get the chance to influence the final ‘must win’ game against Ireland.

I took the court with a mixture of excitement, nervousness and pride. There was a good crowd given that we were playing the host nation. I could just about hear the English supporters cheering every name called out as we ran on. I was determined to make this my best personal performance. I don’t know exactly why it was different, but my defensive partner and I really clicked and we put pressure on the Irish attack from the first quarter. I managed to get a number of good intercepts and some vertical tips. The whole team played controlled and thoughtful netball throughout the game. I was extremely pleased to play all four quarters. It was so exciting to be playing knowing that this result would make us the European U17 Champions. When the final claxon went we had won 63-20.

Every member of the squad had played their part. We had grown as individuals, and bonded as a squad. Every match had been better than the one before. We had saved our best netball until the finish. Suddenly, after the game was over, I felt very tired. Three big games in three days caught up. We got changed and had our debrief. Morale was understandably very high. Smiles everywhere. It had gone so fast.

The closing ceremony was amazing. Each national squad walked out onto the court behind a flag barer. We felt proud as we lined up alongside all the other U17 contestants. The noise from the stands was brilliant. First representatives of each national netball organisation presented trophies to those of us who gained our first international appearance cap. That was a proud moment. I never imagined back in my high five days in Bedford that I would get this far. Then the moment came for the 2010 European U17 Champions to be crowned. That would be us! I still cannot believe it. Me, a European Champion. After receiving our trophies we stood tall and proud for the national anthem. My head was spinning, I could not remember all the words, but the crowd were doing a good job anyway.

Too quickly, the moment was over and our parents and supporters flooded onto the court for hugs, slaps on the back and photos. I had pictures taken with people who I did not even know. I signed some autographs. It was all just amazing. Yes, March 2010 in Belfast will always be a great memory for me and my family, but with U19 trials just four weeks later, I would only get a few days rest before I had to work even harder. I would not have it any other way!

Loran Wyatt - March 30th 2010