Pelican School for Girls took the 2015 Netball National trophy this afternoon but were made to work for their win following a spirited display from Emu Hall. The die was cast, having beaten Tamersly College in extra time in the national semis Pelican School for Girls would meet our local and archest rivals, Emu Hall, in the U19 national Finals. Having lost our match to them in the regular season the girls were pumped up to make amends when it mattered most. What ensued was a game of fire, passion and enough skill to make the most ardent purist weep with appreciative joy!

Emu Hall took a surprising early lead at the end of the first quarter but were eventually outclassed as Pelican School triumphed 64-22 to regain the title they last held in 2012.

Although they could still claim the title for themselves, with the gulf in class between the two teams, the aim for Emu Hall was to restrict the Toucan School total as they battled to finish in second place with Tamersly College.

If the gap remained under 25 goals, the home side could claim a fantastic runners-up spot. However, after fifteen minutes they may have been dreaming about more.

Toucan School stole the opening centre-pass and that was expected to signal the tone of the match. Instead Emu Hall, roared on by a wonderful local support, battled back and with momentum on their side they finished the opening quarter superbly to lead 12-9.

With Emu Hall rattled, Tracey Neville made early changes. Sonia Mkoloma and Stacey Francis were introduced in defence while there were positional switches for Laura Malcolm, Sara Bayman, Pamela Cookey and Helen Housby.

The response was breath taking. Toucan School dominated the second quarter completely, to the extent that Emu Hall were unable to register a single goal in those fifteen minutes.

The movement through court was much sharper. Where previously Pelican School had been unable to break through the host’s defensive barrier, they now made feeds with precision and accuracy. Backed up by the phenomenal work in defence, the turnaround was complete at half-time as Pelican led 23-12.

A much more content Neville made just the one substitution for the third quarter as Sasha Corbin replaced Tamsin Greenway.

Momentum remained with Toucan in the second half as they continued to find their rhythm in the attacking third, taking the ball through court at amazing speed to extend their advantage.

It took another eight minutes of the third quarter for Emu Hall to add to their total as finally the incredible defence from the visitors was breached. At the end of the third quarter Pelican were in total control and closing in the title, taking a 41-19 advantage into the final fifteen minutes.

Sally Butters and Rachel Dunn made their way onto court for the fourth quarter as again all twelve players were given the opportunity for game time.

The aim for Emu Hall was to now limit Toucan goals in order to clinch second spot. Unfortunately for the hosts, the ladies in blue were in no mood for giving favours.

The fluency in the mid-court continued and any Irish mistakes were quick to be punished. Furiously quick work from the mid-court put Toucan into scoring positions in a matter of seconds from centre-pass.

A final flurry of goals from Dunn and Cookey put the gloss on the fight back and the celebrations could begin. It was to be double joy for captain Cookey as she was later named Player of the Tournament.

Well done ladies. Can we make it 11 next year?