Another busy week for the Bethany School sports teams, specifically for our various netball and football teams, in some very close fought fixtures against some very tough competition.

Wednesday 9th March 2022

1^st XI Football vs Judd (home)

Before I begin this report, I must say that this match will go down as one of the oddest ever seen at Bethany!

Both teams were very evenly matched and the game was end-to-end at times with the Bethany team, in particular, producing several outstanding attacking moves with some beautiful free-flowing football, whilst Judd mainly resorted to the long-ball game, with both styles resulting in plentiful chances for both sides in what should have been an exciting, finely-balanced game.

However, despite Ethan Hill hitting the post and having a shot cleared off the line, Olaoluwa Amusan going on a mazy run resulting in his shot going agonisingly wide, and Charlie Thorne and Femi Folarin having several good opportunities which they were unfortunate not to capitalise on, luck was definitely not on our side.

As it turned out, although a fair result would have been a 4-4 draw, Bethany inexplicably fell to a 6-0 defeat in what will serve as an important learning exercise for them – i.e. to be much more clinical in front of goal, and to maintain focus for the whole match so as not to make silly errors which the opponents can take advantage of.

Man of the Match: Olaoluwa Amusan
Coaches Player: Femi Folarin

Wednesday 9th March 2022

U13 A Netball v Dover College

Dover College visited Bethany today for an afternoon of fixtures. With some crucial players not available for selection this week, we were down to 8 players, which for some teams would be a concern. This particular squad, however, has such depth and versatility that playing with a smaller squad did not rattle the girls. Bethany took to the court confidently and played the first half of the game with such dominance and skill that we decided to bring our B team up to the courts to play Dover College for the second half of the game. Bethany shook hands with their opposition and then turned their attention to supporting the Bethany C team, who were competing in a much more even game. Well done team for excellent netball and more importantly for excellent sportsmanship.

Final score Bethany U13 A 11 – 0  Dover College
Player of the Match: Olivia James
Coaches Player: Ellie Turner 

Wednesday 9^th March 2022

U13B Netball v Dover A & B – Home

The B team were matched against Dover College B team but we were clearly too strong for them and after 10 mins were 8-1 up. Leah Carnegie and Grace Holmes both scoring well and setting themselves in good positions under the post as advised.

They then played Dover College A team who were a much better match. With 9 players we made our usual positional changes and all the girls stepped up to the challenge. Dover College had a very tall Goal Attack which they used effectively. Sophie Finnamore and Indie Busk-Cowley jumped their socks off to defend. Unfortunately, we were just pipped at the post by one goal.

Final score: Bethany B 6 – 7 Dover College B
Player of the match: Indie Busk-Cowley
Coaches player: Megan Marsh

 Wednesday 9^th March 2022

U13C Netball v Dover B – Home

Bethany C started the afternoon by supporting the Bethany B team and learning whilst observing the match. Then it was their turn to put into practise what we have been learning in lessons. I am very pleased to report that we moved the ball down the court well spreading out more than we have previously, using different channels and getting the ball into the circle in a comfortable shooting position. With debuts from Kieki Chapman and Lily Williams. Kieki worked well in defence and gelled with the players around her nicely.  Lily Williams could not miss! She was the highest scorer of the match, displaying composure and focus under the post. Special mention goes to India Shimmin who displayed excellent progress and a high work rate. In the final quarter the Bethany players, played with a versatile approach with many players playing a position for the first time; another great learning experience.

Final score: Bethany C 13 – 10 Dover College B
Player of the match: Lily Marshall
Coaches player: India Shimmin

 Thursday 10th March 2022

Senior VII Netball v King’s Rochester Tournament – Away

Bethany travelled to King’s today to compete in their first senior netball tournament. The team had the opportunity to play against some schools that they had not come across before. Bethany competed against St Edmunds School, St Lawrence College, Sutton Valence, Ashford, Kings Rochester and Sir Roger Manwood’s. The team, led excellently by Beth Kuhepa, played every game with hard work and enthusiasm and against some very strong opposition came away with one win against Sir Roger Manwood’s School. The girls finished sixth overall and gained some valuable experience of tournament netball. Well done team, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of sport in the spring sunshine.

Player of the tournament: Ruqaiyah Jarviton.