The latest generation of Paulton Rovers Netball Club Juniors entered the U12 Somerset League on Sunday 9th October in Wells. The Club entered two teams, this is a first in the club’s history. All of the girls were excited at the prospect of playing their first competitive tournament despite this there were still some nerves.
Paulton 1’s first match was against an experienced Wells team, however once the girls had shaken off their nerves and gelled together the team were able to give Wells a good match. Unfortunately and despite the good defensive play of Ella, Meg and Vanessa working hard together Wells pulled ahead 0 – 3 to win. The next two matches for the team weren’t so easy with an exceptionally talented side from Bridgwater consistently managing to score against Paulton and a determined Yeovil winning 1 – 8. Shannon, Cerys, Grace and Vanessa worked well together in attack, focusing on their passing into the circle allowing Cerys to score a fantastic goal despite the tall defenders and much to the delight of the team’s supporters. Finally the girls took on Purnell but again despite working hard to attack the ball the team’s lack of experience and height disadvantaged proved too much, losing 7 – 0.
Paulton 2 had a different mixture of results, winning two matches, drawing one and losing one. The girls first played Galmington and gelled quickly for Lauren to score two well deserved goals. Accurate passing out of defence from Macey, Bethany and Emmie ensured that the team kept procession long enough to win the match 2 – 0. Bursting with excitement from their first game the team next played Wells in a well matched fast paced game. Lori, Ellie and Emmie worked hard dodging to get free to ensure that the ball flowed consistently between the defence and shooters of Rebecca and Lauren. Both teams worked hard resulting in a draw of 1 – 1. Next the team played Yeovil in an exciting game which saw both teams passing the ball well and defending hard each end of the court. Unfortunately Yeovil’s shooters hit the target repeatedly resulting in Paulton losing 2–5. Finally the team took on Purnell in a nail biting equally fought match with Paulton clinching the win 0 – 1.
Paulton’s coaches would like to thank all of the parents who came along to support and cheer the teams on and would like to congratulate Morgan and Bethany on being awarded Players of the Tournament.
The Club is still looking to increase its junior membership, especially its U14 and U16 age groups. Email us for more info – info@paultonnetball.co.uk
As the heat intensified on Saturday Paulton Rovers B side took to the midday heat with confidence that they could gain another win.
With lots of support on the side the game started well with Paulton’s attack working well to move the ball around the attacking circle and into the net. Some great passing from Sarah into the shooters and fantastic movement from all attackers Paulton were able to pull ahead finishing the first quarter 13-4.
After a quick pep talk and a lot of water the side took to the scorching court determined to maintain their lead. Some great movement from Jade at C allowed Paulton to push the ball forward with great shooting from Darby and Kristie capitalising on Ambers mistakes finding the net repeatedly. Paulton were still ahead at half time 22-10.
The half time break allowed for a much needed cool down and allowed the Paulton side to regroup and come back on to the court with fighting spirit. Some great defensive turnovers by Liz and Shelley meant that Ambers struggled to get the ball into their GA. The Paulton centre court players worked well together bringing the ball up smoothly to the shooters who continued to find the target. The quarter ended 33-18.
The final quarter started slowly with all the players affected by the heat, however Paulton soon snapped back into form and continued to make fantastic interceptions. A defensive ploy by Kim and Shelley to switch players worked well to confuse the Ambers GS and GA who struggled to find the net with this added pressure. The game ended with a well deserved win for Paulton’s B Team 43-24.
Thanks to Ness for umpiring and to all the supporters for cheering so loudly!!
Paulton A played their first game of the season in scorching heat at home against Gems on Saturday. The team took to the court focused and determined to start the season with a win after having ending on a high in the Premiership last season. Unfortunately Paulton trailed 8 – 13 at the end of the first quarter as Gems found their feet quickly with Paulton lacking their normal passing accuracy and match awareness.
After a good team talk and the fist rotation of Hayley swapping with Ness at WA, the team took to the court with the self belief that they could upset Gems. As more spectators gathered to cheer Paulton on the team grew in dominance with Cheryl and Davina consistently finding the net to score. The defence of Laura, Victoria and Charlotte also came together to upset Gems attacking play. An impressive quarter in the heat saw Paulton score 13 goals closing the gap on Gems to 20 – 22.
A half time break and a positive team talk from captain Cheryl saw the team come our fighting for the third quarter, with Davina rotating with Ness at GS. Debbie and Hayley set the pace of the game passing with accuracy into the semi circle allowing Cheryl and Ness to relight their old partnership. The defence also worked hard introducing a number of set plays to distract Gems’ attacking formation allowing them to push ahead. With Paulton working hard, chasing loose balls and committing to the ball both in attack and defence the team finished the quarter one up, 33 – 32.
The last quarter saw Davina coming back on at GS, Ness moving to GA, Cheryl to GK and Charlotte at WD. The final rotation was to test the team’s ability to rotate successfully as a squad, meeting the demands of any opposition. The team once again worked hard with Charlotte making some fantastic interceptions at WD and Cheryl’s height at GK off putting Gems’ passing into the circle. Despite a great first performance of the season Gems managed to pull ahead 40 – 41 just as the final whistle blew.
The team would like to thank everyone that came along to support them and Jane for umpiring. Player of the match as voted by Gems was Victoria.
The Club is currently looking to expand its U16 squad. If you are interested please contact Victoria on 07735507963 or alternatively email us at info@paultonnetball.co.uk
Despite the gloomy weather Paulton B travelled to Bridgwater to meet Mercury for the first game of the season. After a record breaking turn out to selection a new look B team took to the court full of determination with a hint of excitement.
The first quarter started strong with some excellent mid court work from Jade and Liz, working well to bring the ball down court to the shooters. Mercury’s young side struggled to intercept with Paulton B making accurate and effective passes. 1st quarter ended 7-11 with Paulton easing ahead.
Mercury came out fighting but Paulton’s new defensive partnership of Kim and Shelley worked well to prevent the ball getting to the shooters. Paulton maintained their lead finishing for half time with a score of 14-21.
After the break Paulton maintained their accurate passing with Sarah proving invaluable at WA passing some great balls into the Paulton shooters who continued to hit the target. Quarter ended 19 – 29.
Once again the defence stayed strong despite the physicality of the Mercury shooters. Darby and Kristie built on last seasons partnership to work well together moving fluidly around the circle not missing a single goal. The game ended 25-41 to Paulton B.
Thanks to Jane for umpiring, Helen and Victoria for cheering/coaching and to Andrea for reserving.
After 4 weeks of sessions Paultons Back to Netball programme is going strong. We’ve had 20 ladies come over the weeks dipping in and out with a regular turn out of 14 coming every week.
The ladies are keen and are showing big improvements every week.
There are still 2 weeks left and anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to come along. Each session costs £2 and runs from 19:00 to 20:00.
The aim of the sessions is a friendly reintroduction/introduction to netball. All abilities are welcome, even if you have never played netball before – come along. Its a great way to get fit and meet new people. For more information email info@paultonnetball.co.uk or use our contact us page, Alternatively you could just turn up Wednesday and join in!
Back to Netball is a nationwide scheme aimed at providing a gentle introduction/reintroduction to netball.
We’ll be running 6 sessions for anyone aged 16 or over.
These sessions will start on 15th June at 19:00 – Paulton Rovers Football Club.
The following sessions will be on:
22nd June
29nd June
6th July
13th July
20th July
Each session will be £2
The emphasis of these sessions is on learning new skills and having fun playing Netball with friends. Whether it is about rediscovering sporting abilities you forgot you had or about getting active again, these sessions cater for ALL abilities.
Get fit, have fun and make friends through Back to Netball.
For more information email us: info@paultonnetball.co.uk
Paulton’s season came to a close on Saturday with their annual presentation evening. It was an emotional evening that encapsulated the clubs season – a mixture of joy and tears.
This season we were hit hard after we said goodbye to our beloved coach Stu, without him this club would not be the club we are. He gave us our passion, our spirit and our can do attitude – “there is no such thing as can’t ladies” He will be sadly missed not just by our club but by the netballing community. We will continue to play with his words ringing in our ears and next season we will make him prouder than ever before when we continue to expand our club and push for promotion.
This season our juniors performed outstandingly in tournaments finishing mid table, with our U11s finishing 3rd after the end of season friendly tournament. Next season we’ll be introducing an U16 and hope that all the girls will enjoy this next step towards senior matches. We would like to thank all our girls for playing this season and all the parents for their support – we are a unique club thanks to their support!
Our senior A Team enjoyed their first season in the Premier Division and battled well against strong competition finishing mid table despite injuries and illness causing a restructure of the squad just after they got into their stride. The B Team showed their usual grit and determination and pushed hard to improve on last seasons 5th place finish. Once again pregnancy, injury and illness effected the team but they still played with heart and finished mid table.
This summer we will be holding some “Back to Netball” sessions, this is a nationwide scheme aimed at providing a gentle introduction or reintroduction to netball for female players over sixteen years old. The first of these will start 15th June 19:00 at Paulton Rovers Football Club. Everyone is welcome.
Junior training will be back 7th September at 18:30, Senior training continues on a relaxed basis over the summer with selection starting in August. If you are interested in any of our up and coming events or would like to join us for training please get in touch via email: info@paultonnetball.co.uk or call Victoria: 07735507963/01761471448
Now the season is over (and whilst we wait to see how we have done) Summer training will continue – all be it a tad more sporadic than normal!
Training will be 7-8.30 at Paulton Rovers Football Club and will be on every week dependant on numbers…
For updates check out our facebook page or keep checking back here.
In the heat of Saturday afternoon Paulton’s A side were away to play Gems with a changed side with Shelley starting in place of an absent Hayley. With the sun shining Paulton’s spirits were high after 2 wins in previous weeks.
After winning the toss, Paulton took the game to Gems from the first centre pass and kept the first quarter tight, goal for goal. Paulton kept their heads to take a small lead 10-12.
In the second quarter Shelley used great movement to create space in the attacking end, feeding the ball into Cheryl and Davina who had to work hard against a strong Gems defence. At half time Paulton were still slightly ahead 20-21.
Going into the second half Paultons defensive trio of Victoria, Charlotte and Vanesssa stepped up the pressure on the Gems shooters. Plucking some great rebounds out the air and used the long ball down court for Paultons shooters to capitalize on the Gems mistakes. The quarter ended with Paulton extending their lead to 32-37.
In the last quarter Paultons fitness levels and team effort showed through with Deb making excellent plays in the centre court. This all proved too much for a tired and hot Gems side enabling Paulton to come away with another win and much needed 5 points. The game ended 40-47.
Thanks to Helen for reserving, Tanya for cheering and Jane for umpiring.
Player of the Match: Charlotte Conway
Paulton went out feeling positive, with a strong start from Cheryl and Vina getting all the goals needed and Neptune defence struggling to keep up with them, the first quarter ended at 11-4.
In the second quarter the defence worked brilliantly to intercept as many passes and to snatch in any rebounds as they could. To send it down the court to Deb and Hayley who fed the D well. Keeping Paulton in the lead of 23-14.
After the half, Paulton still feeling positive, and a great start for the whole team, Char and Vic making some good interceptions, and working well with centre court Deb and Ness to get it to the shooters who were on form and weren’t missing! As Paulton pulled away and the third quarter ending at 35-25.
The last quarter Paulton went out with their heads held high, knowing that Neptune have been said to win with the last quarter this didn’t faze them. A good start from the attack, however the Neptune defence fought for the ball and Paulton couldn’t keep up, Neptune scoring more and more goals, but not enough as the whistle blew and the score 44-41. Paulton win.
Player: Cheryl (GA)
