Buoyed by the recent success of the netball team, Abigail Gilbert (the captain), made a request that she would like to play a match against West Hill Primary, Cannock. A ususal request you may think, but bear in mind that West Hill are  by far and away the best team in Cannock They have won all three tournaments they have entered, won their league final by eleven goals to one, and not lost a game all year. So a tall order, but a good measure to judge yourself against.

The match was to be an away game, our first. Already a player down due to illness, the convoy of cars ( the year 3/4 football team was also playing ) made their way to Hednesford. West Hill were ready for us. Rotations were discussed and places stationed. The whistle blew! The game had begun!

It soon became apparent what a good passing team West Hill were, but gaining possession we had a chance. A close miss! Within the seconds the ball was down the other end. A goal scored. The trend continued. We gained the ball on numerous occasions, but unlike in practise, the pressure of the game told. Miss after miss, followed by goals after goal for the home team. At last in the final quarter Churchfield scored twice to show a result  for all the hard endeavour of the match. It was a well fought game, but the result was never really in doubt.

If anything, Churchfield played too tight a game, not moving as freely into spaces, or making those quick runs to get into a goal shooting positions,as they are capable of doing. Nevertheless, the captain had had her request granted and stated after the match that she didn't realise how good they would be. But to get better, you have to play the best and the whole team now know the standard they can achieve.

West Hill are deserved Champions of Cannock and winners of the match, but who knows, perhaps we will meet again at the Festival of Sport for a rematch.

Thank you to all the parents who atended to offer lifts and support the team.

Squad

Abbie Gilbert, Alex Whitehurst, Emily Winfindale, Kyle Prince, Sam Beattie, Sammie Mitchell.

A somewhat drier day than last week's game saw Churchfield netball team take on a visiting team from Chancel Primary. To my knowledge this is the first ever match between the two schools, and we had heard they were keen to show off their prowess.

Chancel arrived punctually in a very smart kit and looked the part; ready to play. The team were predominately year 5 pupils and did look a little smaller than us, but experience told us to never underestimate the opposition.

The match started! Lots of ball chasing before settling into a pattern. End to end stuff saw the score at 2 all after the first quarter. Churchfield being the more physical team and Chancel making the most of the opportunities they had to score well. Tighter defending and marshalling of their attackers lessened the chances for Chancel to score, but the game remained tight. The last quarter! With only a goal between the two teams, the game could have gone either way. Possession was nearly all Churchfield. Shot after shot was missed, Chancel looking for that break away goal.

At last the whistle blew for full time, with Churchfield emerging the winners by 5 goals to 4. A score not truly reflecting the possession and opportunities the home team had, but nevertheless, a very exciting game.

Well played to all the children of both side. Chancel certainly have the makings of a very fine team for the future and Churchfield are improving all the time, with their marking and passing fluency increasing with experience. Come on though lads and lasses! Let's score those goals and save the nerves of those watching, to whom I extend, as always, a big thanks. Especially to our umpire, Holly-Anne Tiernan.

Tonight, on a wet and windy night, saw Churchfield take on Redbrook Hayes Primary. The likelihood of the match going ahead had been in the balance all day, but finally we made the decision to.play.

Needless to say, as the match was about to start, the heavens opened. Parents huddled under the canopy, but the players looked purposeful, if a little cold.

The first quarter! All Churchfield, but we couldn't capitalise and squandered many a shot. Evetually we scored in the second quarter to take the lead. Still, we atacked their net but to no avail. Then a break away score! One all!

Move! Pass! Grab it! Was to be heard from the side line. Then with two minutes to go in the final quarter, another goal to Redbrook Hayes. We were sunk. Almost literally! 

The whistle blew and the soggy players from both sides congratulated each other on a closely fought game, before seeking out warm and dry shelter.

Well done the wiinner! Roll on more clement weather for a rematch.

Thanks to the wet, watching parents, especially my assistant coach for the night, Mrs. Winfindale, and to her husband for wearing the brightest coat!