Two netball teams at West Hatch High School, Chigwell, are through to the latter stages of two county competitions. The Under-19 team are into the semi-finals of the Essex Cup after a 27-17 victory over Chingford Foundation School. The team, captained by Sophie Ledwith, will now play either Coopers School or Westcliff High School for Girls in the last four. Coralie Reid, the school’s Head of PE, said: “The match against Chingford was physically tough but the girls maintained their self-control and technically were the better team on the day. The victory over Chingford followed a convincing 41-4 win against Jo Richardson School, Dagenham.

Poppy Maddison (Centre and County Netballer) was player of the match voted for by the opposition coach and team. Mrs Reid, Head of PE, said: “This lovely bunch of pupils deserve all the success they get. They are not only exceptional netball players but are hard-working A-level students. They are a complete credit to the school and I am going to miss Sophie and Poppy when they move on after this year. Seven years of service to the school netball team is a great achievement for them both. Meanwhile the West Hatch Year 7 team are into the Essex Cup quarter-finals after beating Jo Richardson School.

This is the furthest the team has ever progressed in the competition and will now meet Bancroft’s School at Redbridge Sports Centre on March 12. Players of the match in the last round was Annabel Carter, who was voted for by the opposition coach and team, and Isobel Barry, who was praised by the West Hatch coach). Mrs Reid, the school’s Head of PE, said: “ The girls fought hard in the game and were captained superbly by Kiera Carroll with her hard fighting attitude. It was probably the toughest game they have had in their run of 15 undefeated games since the start of the year. She added: “I am so proud of all the girls, each one of them works so hard in training and take on board new tactics and plays. They are also current district champions being the only school in west Essex left in the Essex Cup competition. This means a lot to us as a school, and the girls.

PICTURE CAPTIONS

West Hatch High Schools U19 netball team (back row) Brooke Davey (GA), Gemma Curtiss (GK), Ellie Wilkinson (GS) and Jemimah Ali (GD) with (front row) Poppy Maddison (C), Sophie Ledwith (WA and captain) and Emily Smith (WD).