Challow Ladies Netball Club
An England Netball Bronze CAPS Accredited Club

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7 June 2008

CHALLOW LADIES END OF SEASON REVIEW

by Jo Gordon

The end of March should have signaled the end of the Oxfordshire Netball Winter League but with the results of some postponed matches delayed until April the final league positions have only just been confirmed.

The results for Challow Netball Club have been mixed.

The A Team, which has suffered from departures and injuries in some key positions, has struggled to field the same team, only achieving the full selected squad on three occasions. Their matches were keenly fought and some were lost by the smallest of margins but despite the players best and valiant efforts the team finished a disappointing 8th of 9 in Division 2. Whether it be Division 2 or 3 next year the squad is determined to improve and return to winning ways.

The B team, fared more favourably despite being a largely made up of new and some very young players as the squad was divested of its experience to support the injury ravaged A team. The performance of the juniors, playing with a strength and maturity beyond their years, was instrumental in securing many victories. The team finally finished 5th of 10 in Division 4. A points score of 66 points, a massive 19 points more than the previous season but pipped, by the narrowest of margins, a single point, to fourth spot by Eynsham A. The signs are encouraging for next year and the aim must be for a top two finish.

Despite the mixed results there have been lots of good performances to celebrate in both teams but most importantly it has been achieved in the right spirit of sportsmanship and enjoyment.

The input and benefits of our 4 newly qualified England Netball Coaches has been seen most clearly in the performance of the young B squad but their influence was equally key in sustaining the A team with means, motivation and confidence to keep fighting in adversity.

The Back to Netball Taster sessions run by the club during late March early April again showcased the skills of our coaches as they delivered 6 programmes to generate fun and gentle exercise for those wishing to return to team sports. All the sessions were well received and enjoyed by the participants.

Summer season is now approaching and we are ready for battle again facing different teams and challenges from around the county. We now are training at Challow on Wednesday's and if you are interested in joining us for competitive matches, fitness, making new friends or if interested in learning how to become a coach or umpire contact us via: