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Ireland Tour Report

Under 18

Cheshire County Netball Under 16's and Under 18's travelled to Dublin for a weekend of netball, the highlight being games against the Irish national Under 17 and 19 squads. The party totalled 58 people including 36 players.

On Friday the Cheshire teams played Leinster ladies teams who gave a good battle but the youngsters superior fitness told and both 16's and 18s won easily.

On Saturday in front of a packed house at the Wesley College Centre, Dublin, Cheshire Under 18’s put on a superb display of controlled pace and clinical finishing to defeat Ireland Under 19’s 57-14.Cheshire started brightly, with the defensive combination of Jess Harrison, Rosie Sheward and Corrine Kinviq picking off the loose feeds into the Ireland circle, and combining well with Alicia McKenna and Charlotte Burgess to drive the ball through the midcourt to the Cheshire circle.  Cheshire’s Courtney Perks was on song from the start, shooting accurately and combining well with Kathryn Hurrell to work the ball close to the post.  First quarter to Cheshire 12-3.

The introduction of Heather Snape at GA for the second quarter gave the Cheshire attack renewed impetus, while superb work by Rebecca Nield and Lauren Joseph forced Ireland into long ball errors, which were moved into the attacking circle for Perks to convert with ease. 

Cheshire’ coach Rowley brought on GS Sarah Coleman, Laura Cooper WD and GA Laura Walker for the third quarter, and her rotational style opened up the circle to create more chances for Coleman during the period.  McKenna continued to snap up any loose balls going, drawing gasps from the crowd with her athleticism and control, while Evan’s pace created space in attack where there appeared to be none.

Emma Taylor, introduced at half time at C, was inspired, using her speed and vision to create an unstoppable combination with GA Walker who scored 9/9 for the period.   The Cheshire attack had too many options for the Irish defence to cope with, despite their making almost superhuman efforts to close down the options available.  

Cheshire ran out worthy winners 57-14.

Cheshire coaches Rowley and Brien said:
"We are delighted with the win particularly as it's always good to take a victory against an international team.  Defensively, we were excellent  - it was a superb effort from all the squad.  We have an excellent squad who will be working hard in the coming months to enable us to continue our excellent form."

Under 16

The 21 U16 players excitedly took to the court on Saturday afternoon to take on the Irish U17 squad.

The starting seven took a short while to settle into their game but from the start it was apparent that Cheshire’s crisper passing and movement was superior to that of the Irish team. The defensive trio of Kate Campbell, Katie Porter and Chelsea Fumarola were strong and resolute, reading the Irish attack and immobilising their options. Cheshire took the first period 5-1 much to the delight of the travelling support.

Cheshire’s lead was extended to 12-1 during the 2^nd period as the attack capitalised on turnovers and shooting averages by Nicola Motorshead and Rachel Chadwick increased. The introduction of saw Sarah Harnin and Laura Sheriff to the centre court changed the dynamics of the attacking play and the defensive trio, which now included Katie Hamilton, once again dominated the final third of the court.Lauren Bradley’s superior movement at GA combined with the speed of Jenny Bazley at WA and Hayley Preece’s influential presence at C Cheshire sustained their lead. Hollie Dymond and Emily Illot continued to out smart the Irish attack making key interceptions during play.

Tactical changes for the next period enabled Cheshire to emphatically take the game away from Ireland as the shooting combination of Holly Byrne and Meg Rowley combined with accurate feeding from Lucy Thistlewood added 14 goals to take the segment 30-5.

Substantial changes to the penultimate period saw Victoria French, Lucy Bramley, Emma Jones and Cara Williams take to the court with Lily Thistlewood and Jenny Bazley returning to the play.

During the final period French capitalised on all every shooting opportunity with a 100% average whilst the remainder of the players worked hard to restrict the Irish score and provide fluent passing and movement down the court. Cheshire took the game 39-12.

Andrea Whiston, U16 Coach, was elated by all the players’ performances and attitude to the game. It was a great experience for both players and coaches and justified the hard work all have contributed so far in the season. All players worked hard to both defend and attack and kept to the tasks they were set before taking the court. Thanks must also be given to parents for their support and to Rebecca Rowley who proved to be a worthy and invaluable assistant during the weekend.

 All the players who toured played at least half a game against their International counterparts which was a great experience for all the girls.

On Sunday the squads played Leinster youth, Leinster and Colston school (from Bath who were also on tour in Dublin) in a round robin tournament with the Cheshire teams coming out top in both age groups.

The squad returned to Cheshire on Sunday evening after a fantastic weekend that was thoroughly enjoyed by all and will long live in the memories of all those that travelled.                                             

Report by K Rowley & A Whiston                CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE TOUR