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Posted on March 23rd 2012
Harris Bulldogs KS4 team through to 2nd round of nationals
Yesterday the KS4 (U15s) Harris Bulldogs took part in the Handball Nationals at Mayesbrook Arena, the Olympic Training park.
After a thumping defeat by Prendergast a defeat to the Staff All Stars during the week, the Bulldogs had to re-focus and turn on the magic.
Several players had let their team down by suspensions for their poor behaviour including Danette HUDSON, the Bulldogs top scorer with over 40 goals, and the team was also hindered by a couple of injuries, which meant that several players from the KS3 team stepped into the breach as last minute replacements.
The Harris Bulldogs were drawn in a tough group, playing fixtures against Holy Cross Girls' School, Kingston, City of London Academy and Barking Abbey, the current National champions.
The first game was against Holy Cross Girls' School.
The bulldogs took the initiative from the start, pressing the opposition back, with Billie scoring two early girls. The bulldogs were then pegged back with Holy Cross scoring a goal with three minutes to go providing a tense finale where Leanna tipped two goal ward bound shots onto the cross bar.
Final Score: Harris Bulldogs Won 2-1
Next up were the National Champions, Barking Abbey.
The Bulldogs had the opportunity to watch their opponents in a previous match and it was very clear why they were the champions with their slick passing, attacking minded play, beating their opposition comfortably 6-0.
With a quick change of tactics, the Bulldogs ensured that they hassled the opposition throughout the game giving them no opportunity to have space/pass the ball. The Bulldogs worked their socks off, chasing the ball down, with a defence that held firm, but on the rare occasion it was broken a stunning display in goal by Leanna.
This was by far the most competitive game the girls have played to date.
Final Score: Harris Bulldogs Won 2-0
Looking at the league table, we were fairly sure that we could qualify and therefore this provided the opportunity for the 2nd team to start the match against City of London Academy.
The Bulldogs held firm, but lacked the finishing touches. Halfway through the game the team was swapped and with quick goals from Gloria, Billie and Enya provided a victory.
Final Score: Harris Bulldogs Won 3-0
The display from the Bulldogs was absolutely fantastic considering that this was a National tournament for the U15s with the majority of the students being Year 10's, with the Bulldogs fielding a mixture of Year 7 - 10 students. The Bulldogs played extremely well throughout, with a determined focused mindset, playing as a team, deploying new tactics and listening!
The Harris Bulldogs did the Academy proud and have now qualified for the 2nd round which takes place on Friday 11th May.
Women of the Match: The ENTIRE team!
Goals: Billie x 5, Gloria x 1, Enya x 1
Team: Bintu FREEMAN (Yr 7), Cheneray EDWARDS (Yr 7), Deztanie EDWARDS (Yr 7), Billie WALKER (Yr 8), Halima TURAY (Yr 8), Tamika HARLOW (Yr 8) Leanna FLAVIEN (Yr 9), Chloe WATSON (Yr 9), Enya LOPES (Yr 9), Renee BARTLEY (Yr 9), Sharifa KAYIMA (Yr 9), Rubi-J CAMPBELL (Yr 9), Gloria BLAGOVA (Yr 10), Mayte PARADA (Yr 10)
A special thanks to Coach Eddie and Deztanie Edwards mother for supporting.
