Hurst proudly hosted its annual U13 Netball Tournament, welcoming 20 teams from across the region for a full and competitive day of听high听quality听netball. The atmosphere was outstanding as players听demonstrated听exceptional skill, teamwork and resilience across the group stages, knockout听rounds听and finals.听
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U12A Step Up and Impress in U13 Competition听
One of the standout stories of the tournament came from Hurst鈥檚 U12A squad, who took on the challenge of competing an age group above their own. Despite being the youngest team in the competition, they rose confidently to the occasion and produced a series of superb performances.听
The U12s made an excellent start in the group stages, securing strong wins over St Christopher鈥檚,听Roedean听and Brighton College听Prep听Handcross听Park with fast, determined and composed netball. A tough encounter with eventual silver medallists St John鈥檚 tested the squad, but they responded outstandingly. Showing maturity beyond their years, they regrouped and advanced into the knockout rounds, where they delivered a commanding quarterfinal victory over Windlesham.听
Their semifinal set up a thrilling听all听Hurst clash against the U13A team, who had been in dominant form all day. The match was played with great spirit and intensity, with the U12s displaying remarkable grit before narrowly听missing out on听a place in the final.听
A confident performance in the third/fourth听play-off earned the U12s a听well deserved听tournament medal,听an exceptional achievement in an U13 event. This exciting squad is certainly one to watch as the season unfolds.听
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U13A Claim Tournament Title After Dominant Run听
Hurst鈥檚 U13A team also enjoyed a superb day of competition,听ultimately securing听the tournament title after a run of confident,听high听quality听performances.听
They opened the day in emphatic style, winning all four of their group stage matches with high scoring and clinical attacking play. Their defensive unit remained consistently strong, enabling the team to top their group and progress smoothly into the quarterfinals, where they delivered a convincing win over Seaford.听
One of the most memorable fixtures of the day came in the semifinal, where the U13As faced their younger U12A peers. The contest was fast paced, fiercely competitive and undoubtedly the U13s鈥� toughest challenge of the tournament. Both squads produced outstanding netball, with the U13s听ultimately securing听their place in the final.听
In the听final听match, Hurst faced a well听organised St John鈥檚 side. The opening stages were tightly contested, but as the game progressed the U13s found another level, pulling ahead through composed attacking phases and excellent defensive turnovers. Their teamwork, discipline and match management proved decisive, earning them a thoroughly deserved tournament victory.听
Both Hurst squads can be immensely proud of their achievements. The U12s demonstrated resilience, composure and real potential while competing up an age group, while the U13A team delivered a polished and powerful display to lift the tournament trophy.听
Hurst offers its thanks to all participating schools, umpires,听coaches听and supporters for contributing to a competitive, enjoyable and听high听quality听event.听
