The University of Worcester’s Netball team is celebrating a landmark achievement, after winning their National Trophy Final and securing their place as champions.
Their victory marks an extraordinary moment for the squad, who reached the final for the first time in a decade and delivered a standout performance against Bath 2s to claim the title.
In a nail-biting match, Worcester pulled off a well-deserved 54-51 win over Bath 2s, a side that had remained undefeated all season.
Netball Development Coach, Holly French, praised the team’s determination and growth throughout the season.
“We stormed the first quarter and that really shocked Bath,” she said. “By half-time it was 25-all after they came back strong.”
“In the third quarter we pulled ahead by a few goals,” she added, “and we managed to maintain that lead right to the end.”
“We honestly thought it might go to overtime, but we got it done in 60 minutes,” Holly said. “We really wanted this, and we were just so happy to be there. This group always seems to show up in the big moments.”
This is the first time in ten years that Worcester has lifted the trophy.
Holly added: “I’m on cloud nine, and it feels like a dream. I’m absolutely beaming with pride for the team. It was a very emotional afternoon for the girls, especially winning in front of their fans and family.”
Looking to next year, Holly said; “This win shows the players what’s possible. Next season we’d love to push for the Premiership. We’ve beaten some incredible teams this year, so promotion is the next goal for us.”
Captain Scarlett Thornley said: “I was so proud of the girls for the win. We fought the entire game, and we deserved the result 100%.”
“We went into the game so happy to have made it this far,” she continued. “We just wanted to make ourselves proud, and we wanted to be happy with how we played. We’re hoping the team can make it to the Prem next season, and the team is so much more motivated to do this now.”
“One of the biggest highlights of the day was the coach journey home,” Scarlett added. “We had our supporters with us, celebrating and singing our hearts out; I really don’t think we could have done this without them.”
Lerverne Barber, Head of the School of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “We are immensely proud of Holly and the team. It was a thrilling, edge of your seat game, and it was really well supported by fellow University of Worcester members of the Netball Society which spurred the team on, raising the roof in the final two minutes.”
“Holly has been with us for 18 months,” added Lerverne, “and this demonstrates what can be achieved on and off the court when underpinned by an excellent coach and a player centric support structure.”
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