Bridgwater

Lots of play has taken place in the league since Christmas for our Juniors, there have been wins, losses, and some amazingly close calls! The most important thing though, is enjoying their netball, to see all our junior players finish training and matches with a smile is the goal, and ensuring the growth of their game.

Bee Netball

After their return to play in February, our Bee Nebtallers have gone from strength to strength with Emily! Their game play and understanding of the game has improved more and more each week. They are always quick to want to leanr something new, and also play seven a side games as the season went on, ensuring they knwo the game well for those who wil move onto to U12s next season!

U12s

The U12s had their first games of 2024 in February, the U12b team played a slick Taunton side in the 2nd U12 division, the game went goal for goal for most of the game, but Taunton won at the last minute! They then went onto play Galmington teams in March, the girls showed some great elements of play, trying to put some of their skills into practice against a strong opposition. despite not winning either of the games, the teams both showed great resilience against similar players in both sides, demonstrating how strong of a team this group of players could be in the future. 

The U12s had a busy March, with two more games the next week against Yeovil and Sydenham, the girls tried to utilise new skills in passing and holding overhead, driving towards the ball and making space. All players showed great improvement through the games!

Finally the U12 teams ended on a high! Playing Tor the U12a team played with a strong squad, with one player helping out the other team each quarter, great interceptions and passages of play were made by all players (even those playing for the other team!). Their ability to give it their all against their own club shows their love for the game, and their willingness to give anything a go, the U12a team's determination meant they went on to win the game. The U12B team then saw new players take to the court, creating a team made up of Year 5s and 6s against a team of year 5 to 8 players! Despite the difference in experience the U12b team really gelled together and created options and defended well, before converting the ball to goal- this resulted in a draw against more experienced opposition, but due to Mendip playing players out of age group, it was an automatic win for the side!

These girls have really grown through the season, and though the results haven't always shown, their commitment to training and their play within these sessions has been beyond their years. Next season we look to show this in their match day games. 

U14s

January saw the introduction of new U14 players, which was great the see the growth of the U14 age group within the club. The A team took on Galmington in a highly contested game where the team had a loss, whilst the B team player Paulton, a game which resulted in a win for the growing side. 

February then had the U14A team game cancelled, but the B team continued their winning streak in a agame against Mendip, with some players playing out of position in this game, the win demonstrated the team strength and versatility, and their growth as a team through the season. 

The baginning of March saw another U14B match, where the team played Galmington D. The side struggled for players, resulting in two U12s playing up through the game, showing maturity and skill. The team gelled well due to our training group split meaning the B team regularly trains with the U12A team. This resulted in Bridgwater being able to take the lead and get the win against Galmington!

Another B team game in March saw a tightly contested game agains Sydenham, despite the goal for goal game, our local rivals came out with a well deserved win. However the B team showed some depth in the squad and some skills they had developed over the past few months, demosntrating their continuing journey as netballers. 

The season finished in April with a game for the A team against Paulton A, despite the game not going their way, a strong defensive effort meant the game was well contested. The through court play to goal was seamless, which transferred into some lovely shooting. Overall the team has progressed immensely over the season, and we look forward to seeing them as U15s next year. 

U16s

The U16a team started off January with a game against Midsomer Norton, whilst the U16B team played Paulton, with both teams out of the cold and playing indoors, they both got to showcase some of their best netball! the U16A team started 2024 with a win whilst the U16B team fought against Paulton who ultimately came away with the win.

Feburary saw a trip to Taunton for the U16s to play Galmington, the A team battled with only 7 players to secure the win against Glamington. The B team fought tirelessly, with some great through court play, listening to coach Cath at quarter times and putting the skills into practice in the next quarter, the lost out again in February, but the game had a high level of quality they can be proud of. Shout out to Grace for her U16 call up from the U14a team. 

After a month off the U16 teams were ready to take the court again, the U16B team played Wellington, each member of the team showed amazing progress from pervious games, really putting learnt skills into practice and showing what they have got. They continued to push through the game, resulting in them gaining a win against Wellington!

The U16a team were due to play in the cup final in April, however with Keinton forefitting the match they became cup winners. This added to their win of the U16 county div 1 league, making them overall 2023/24 champions!

Bridgwater Netball vs Reddon Court School

In March our club welcomed Essex side Reddon Court to play two exhibition matche after our senior fixtures. The weather wasn't on side with hail storms and windy conditions. But that didn't stop all four teams having fun! Bridgwater played a combination of U13s to U16s against the two teams. We hope Reddon Court had a great day and we look forward to a rematch in the future!

Junior End of Season Tournament

The juniors enjoyed their day in the end of season tournament, with two U14 teams and two U12 teams entered, all players enjoyed the day playing each other and other teams from around the county! All players battled agains the heat, but showed great improvememt from the beginning of the season. We look forward to next year and more fun-filled days of netball with our Juniors!