Robins Soar to First National Title at U19 Championships
04 November 2006by Rona Hunnisett
The listing was posted by England Netball
Robins Netball Club from Wickford, Essex took its first national title at the National Youth U19 Championships in Bournemouth today, only eight years after the club was formed by head coach Jane Millbourn.
Throughout the day's competition, Robins were in dominant mood, recording wins over Hucclecote, Cranfield Nomads, Lincoln City, Leyland, Eagles, New Cambell, Peeks, Team Northumbria and Ingrebourne to qualify for the quarter finals at the top of group A, ahead of Hucclecote, Leyland and Team Northumbria.
In group B, YWCA Bury upset reigning U19 champions Oldham 8-7 in the very first game of the day, but were beaten themselves by an impressive performance by Bedfordshire's Ampthill Astros 13-10. Oldham regrouped, defeating Jersey United, Parkside, Essex Open, Telstars, Cliftonettes and Woodley, and maintained their nerve to beat Ampthill 14-13 in a tense encounter, to qualify top of group B. YWCA Bury took second place in the group, ahead of Kent's Telstars and Ampthill.
And so to the quarter finals: Oldham proved too strong for Team Northumbria, winning 17-3, while YWCA Bury were impressive against Leyland, taking a 14-4 victory. Ampthill challenged Robins early on, but were eventually defeated 12-8, while Telstars found Hucclecote's superior height and reach advantage difficult to counter, going down 9-14.
Oldham eased out to a 7-2 lead at half time in their semi final against Hucclecote, and despite a second quarter revival from the Gloucestershire side, led by strong defence from Stacey Francis and Sam Perry, took their place in the final with a 12-8 win.
Meanwhile, YWCA Bury swiftly moved out to a 5-0 lead in the second semi against Robins, but were pegged back to 5-5 at half time by an Essex side inspired by a storming performance from C Danielle Dornan. Robins moved ahead, to be pegged back at 9-9, before their GA Monique Wood hit three long range goals to push her team back into the lead. Robins maintained their form, and took the win to move into the final 15-10.
From the first whistle, Robins were inspired, with captain Dornan tireless in both attack and defence. The Essex side led 10-3 at the break, with Amy Fennelly and Abby Ryan picking off numerous Oldham attacking moves and forcing the Lancashire side into hesitation with their reach and anticipation. Monique Wood was once again in sensational shooting form, scoring 13 from 14 to ensure that her side was never behind, and despite a late rally from Oldham, the title was destined for the South East. Final score 15-10, and head coach Jane Millbourn was full of praise for the winning side:
"We have been waiting for this title since the formation of the club and, in fact, many of today's team were members of our original set up. They've gone close before at other national competitions, but I am thrilled that they have triumphed today, particularly as for many of them, this is their final year in age group competitions."
Robins starting line up: GS Chantelle Hankin, GA Monique Wood, WA Claire Jackson, C Danielle Dornan (capt), WD Lauren King, GD Amy Fennelly, GK Abi Ryan
YWCA Bury took third place with a nerve-tingling last gasp 11-10 win over Hucclecote.