Cranleigh Claim ADISSA Tournament Crown

Cranleigh U14 A girls netball team’s victory at last weeks ADISSA tournament was “unbelievable”, according to captain Harriet Norman.

Cranleigh defeated every side in the competition – including hard-fought wins over Brighton College and British School Al Khubairat – on their way to a memorable victory:

“During the final game all we were focussed on was giving everything, win or lose,” Norman said. “When the final whistle blew it took a few seconds for my brain to slow down and realise that we’d actually won.

“The rush of happiness was unbelievable.”

14-year-old Norman, who plays centre on court and has nine years of netball experience, believes the victory was well-deserved.

She said: “Our team started off a bit slow, but as the competition progressed we worked harder and played better.

“I am extremely proud of our team because of the effort, passion and determination we all displayed.”

Before last week, it had been a season of so-near-yet-so-far for Cranleigh; they finished runners-up to Brighton College in the ADISSA League and were defeated in the semi-finals of the BSAK Sevens tournament at the start of November.

But those disappointments were laid to rest last week, with a result Norman described as the teams “highest achievement” to date.

Unfortunately for the captain, being one of the oldest players on the team means that next season she’ll move up an age group and won’t be able to play with many of this seasons team until they move up alongside her.

Despite this, she’s confident the team has enough quality to be successful for many years to come – with or without her:

“All of the girls on the team are very, very talented,” she said. “If they continue to train hard and play well I believe we can win many more trophies for our school as we move up through the age groups.

“I’m sure this won’t be the end of our team.”