Our Year 6 girls have triumphed in the face of outstanding competition to be named IAPS National Netball Champions 2024.

The U11 team travelled to Bryanston School in Dorset on 18 March to take part in the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) National Netball Championships, having already won the regional competition in January.

Placed in a group with Millfield, Bromsgrove, Putney High and St Piran’s, the girls got off to a steady start, beating Bromsgrove in their first match by one goal and losing to Millfield. However, a feeling developed amongst the group after these two games that there was nobody to be scared of in the competition and the team decided not to let themselves get overawed by the experience, instead focusing on how they could really perform.

The next two games were dominated by STAHS, including a 12-4 win against Putney High, which meant that STAHS topped the group and reached the quarter-finals. At this stage the girls met Pownall Hall School from Cheshire. By this time, they had really found their rhythm and played a fantastic game with great passing, movement and shooting, winning by six goals and moving into the semi-finals where they met local rivals Heath Mount. This was a tight game, but a couple of quick turnovers led to STAHS taking the lead in the second half and winning the game 11-9.

The final was between Hoe Bridge School from Surrey and STAHS. The STAHS girls showed no signs of nerves in the biggest netballing occasion of their school careers, instead channelling their energy into a fantastically mature performance, taking the lead early and never relinquishing it, winning the match by six goals to three. There was joy from the sidelines and jumping up and down in the middle of the court at the final whistle. The STAHS girls had done it! National Champions!

It was an unforgettable experience for Amber, Flora, Eloise, Sophie, Georgie, Jemima and Eliska, who played superbly and represented STAHS exceptionally well against such tough opposition.

A big thanks to Miss Mawston and Mrs McKeating, the super coaches, and the parents who supported the girls throughout the day, keeping them topped up with energy and encouragement.

A brilliant day that will live long in the memory for the girls and STAHS Prep!