Thirty Year 7, 8 and 9 netball players from Newton Abbot College travelled to Liddington near Swindon at the end of May to take part in the PGL-organised netball tournament weekend.

The residential trip, officiated by England Netball, combines intensive match experience, skills and technique workshops with adventure activities to help build confidence and team work.

The three year group teams faced opposition from schools and colleges from across the country in a series of tournament netball matches. The Year 7 players successfully progressed to the finals of their tournament leg, facing Priory Community School in their last match. An extremely tight final score saw the College team narrowly losing 9-11 to take away a well-deserved silver medal.

The Year 8 team won all of their matches on the first day, standing them in good stead for the final day’s play. The competition, however, proved to be too much, and two match defeats later, the girls were placed fifth overall.

The Year 9 team dominated their run of matches, comfortably beating North Oxfordshire 17-1 and Colston Girls’ School 12-2, progressing to the final, where they secured a coveted gold medal position.

The weekend was interspersed with a range of activities including giant swing, abseiling, zip wires and climbing, as well as the chance to meet Team England players including goal keeper and goal defence player, Eboni Beckford-Chambers.

College Physical Education staff member and trip organiser, Chantal Greep, said of the visit: “It was a fantastic opportunity for our talented players to get some great experience, try out new activities and become even closer as teams. They all played incredibly well and we hope to run similar residential trips in the future.”