Hurst netballers lift title in front of home crowd

16 teams contested the Sussex Independent School Netball Association’s U18 and U16 competitions, held for the first time at Hurst. The home team clinched the victory by defeating Brighton College 24 – 12 in the final.

Hurst’s U18s were strong contenders to win, having qualified for next month’s National Schools final in Merseyside but they had it all to do against stern opposition.

In the round robin, Hurst scored no fewer than 61 goals, conceding just 14. Their toughest opponents on the day proved to be Eastbourne College in the semi-final; a game brimming with scoring chances at both ends.

“Eastbourne was the closest match” said Head of Hurst Netball, Rebecca Jutson, “with our girls stepping up in the second half. In the final the girls played their own game plan and their focus put the match out of reach”.

In the U16 age group, Hurst met some excellent teams and put in a great amount of effort but were unable to reach the semis. Brighton College went on to collect the winners’ medals.

Organisers thanked Hurst for hosting the event and complimented the high quality courts which will no doubt attract many more large events.

The win for one of Hurst’s most successful netball teams in history sends them into the national final full of confidence that they can become the best school side in the country.