Hartpury College (U19) and Putney High (U16) have retained their 2024 titles at the 2025 National Schools Finals, in association with the British Army.
On Saturday, U19 defending champions Hartpury College showed they meant business by winning seven out of their eight first stage round-robin matches in Group A.
Despite a 10-15 defeat to Berkhamsted School, the South West side topped the division on goal average. Berkhamsted, who also won seven and lost one of their group fixtures, progressed to the semi-finals as well.
In Group B, Hurstpierpoint College led the way with six wins and two draws, while Millfield School followed closely behind with six wins, one loss and one draw.
Hartpury College and Berkhamsted School proved too strong for their opponents to secure their places in the final. Hartpury College overcame Millfield School 15-6, while Berkhamsted School triumphed 12-20 against Hurstpierpoint College.
The stage was therefore set for the 2024 champions Hartpury College to face the 2023 winners Berkhamsted School in a battle to lift the trophy. Determined to avoid a repeat of their earlier group stage defeat, Hartpury College showed their quality as they ran out 20-11 winners.
Millfield School took the bronze after a closely contested 11-8 victory over Hurstpierpoint College.
On Sunday, the spotlight turned to the U16s, with Putney High aiming to defend their title.
They kickstarted their campaign with a clean sweep in Group A, while Walthamstow Hall matched their dominance in Group B – both securing their semi-final spots as favourites.
Hot on their heels, St Albans High School for Girls (won six, lost two in Group A) and The Fallibroome Academy (won seven, lost one in Group B) also advanced.
Putney High showed no signs of slowing down with a dominant 23-6 victory over The Fallibroome Academy in the semi-finals.
In the other semi-final, fans were left on the edge of their seats witnessing a nail-biter as Walthamstow Hall maintained their unbeaten streak with a thrilling 11-10 victory over St Albans High School for Girls.
It was a showdown between familiar foes in the final as the two London & South East sides went head-to-head. Both teams left everything out on the court in a bid for glory, but it was reigning champions Putney High who successfully defended their crown with an 11-6 win.
St Albans High School for Girls found themselves once again on the wrong side of a one-goal game in the third-place play-off as The Fallibroome Academy took home the bronze with a 13-12 win.
Across both days of competition, there were several standout performances. After impressing on court throughout the U19 event, Queen Ethelburga’s Izzy Doughty was named Gilbert Player of the Tournament, taking home a £100 voucher.
In the U16 category, Putney High’s Timi Adawale claimed the individual accolade for the second year in a row, with Future Rose Sophie Egbaran on hand to present the award.
The Pam Telford Endeavour Award, recognising outstanding sportsmanship and respect, was also awarded to one team in each age division.
Named in honour of Pam Telford, who sadly passed away last year after dedicating over 40 years to the National Schools competition, the award was presented to Wakefield Girls High School (U19) and Redmaids’ High School (U16).
Missed the action? Catch up on englandnetball.tv, and check out the full list of results on the Netball Connect app.
A huge thank you to the players, coaches, support staff, umpires, officials, volunteers, partners, spectators and staff at the EIS Sheffield for a fantastic weekend of competition.
