In the final week before half term Francis Holland Sloane Square hosted our first ever Varsity netball tournament against FHS-NW1.

The netball court was awash with colour with red and blue balloons, bunting and ribbons flapping in the wind as both teams began warm ups. The concept was simple; 3 games, the school that wins the most wins the Varsity Cup! It was the Year 7s who took to the court first led by captain Regina. A buzz of excitement from both teams filled the court and the match was fast paced and energetic. At half time SW1 were slightly ahead but NW1 pulled the score back level in the latter stages and the U12 event finished in a dramatic draw!

Next up was the U13 team. A year ago in the netball season the best this team could come away with was a draw against their rivals in red and with the trophy on the line the U13 team looked nervous as the first whistle blew. These nerves were quickly dismissed as an early interception from captain Ella and smooth shooting from Maria saw SW1 pull ahead by 6 in the first quarter. The U13s continued to apply pressure throughout the match and a dominant score of 23-9 at full time put SW1 ahead in the competition going into the final match. As the year 9 team warmed up, the sidelines increased in volume as girls realised a win or a draw would mean the Varsity cup would be awarded to Sloane Square. The pace of the U14 match was even faster and the skill of the players was evident on the court. A dominant circle performance from Tiggy and Martha kept SW1 in touch of the title as SW1 led by 5 at half time. The height of NW1 allowed them to wrestle their way back into the game in the latter stages with 5 quick consecutive goals. Our captain Clau was not about to let the lead slip however and some cool, calm and collected netball in the mid-court resulted in a final score of 31-23 to the U14s and an overall win for FHS-SW1.

Well done to all of the girls who participated in this super event!