Telstars U16 and U19 Squads took part in Heat 4 of the National
Youth Championships today at Hassenbrook School in Essex. Five
regional heats are held across the country and the top four U16
and U19 club teams in each regional heat qualify for the National
Finals of this prestigious competition.
Telstars U16s won six games, drew one and narrowly lost another
to qualify second in their group for the quarterfinals. They
played Essex Open and after a slow start found themselves 8-4
down at half time to a strong team but after an encouraging talk
from Michelle they came out determined to win. After a strong
fight back with some outstanding play the score was 11-11 at
full time. This meant an extra 2. minutes each way and Telstars
started strongly scoring five goals in quick succession with
no reply from Essex Open. Telstars pressure led to a large number
of interceptions and turnovers resulting in an emphatic 19-13
win. The support from the watching parents and U19s was amazing
and really spurred the team on. The team had qualified for the
National Finals to be held at Redbridge in Essex on 20th November!
Alex Jolly was named our player of the tournament.
For the first time a semifinal was played and we met old rivals
and friends Medway Panthers in a lacklustre game which didn’t
have the excitement of the actual qualifying game. The final
result was a win for Panthers 11-8.
The U19s, in a tough group, were less fortunate. They won two
games, drew two and lost two just missing out on a quarterfinal
place.
For the full results please see the Fixtures Page.
U16 Squad: Coach – Michelle Hollman
Lizzie Atkins, Katie Bollom, Liz Easton, Alice Exeter (Capt.),
Caroline Hills, Annie Hodge, Alex Jolly, Vicky May, Katie Murray,
Lucy Taylor, Georgie Williams.
U19 Squad: Coach – Anita Hollman
Claire Carter (Capt), Sam Carter, Drew Craven, Holly Exeter,
Amie Isham, Sarah Lucas, Sarah-Jane O’Sullivan, Suubi
Nduga, Hannah Perrett, Stef Purdy, Phil Webb.
