It was a week to remember for the students and staff of Dubai College as the school’s netballers clinched a triple crown at the World Schools Netball Cup in the UK.
Part of the World School Games Event Series, the World Schools Netball Cup welcomed teams from the UK, UAE and Switzerland in U13, U15 and U17 tournaments played at the fantastic Loughborough University sports facilities.
Dubai College did themselves, their coaches and their school proud throughout the event which was played in great spirits, finishing top of the pile in all three age groups of the competition with some fantastic performances.
In the U13 competition there were strong showings by both Dubai schools with Dubai College and JESS Dubai finishing first and second respectively in the eight team group stage. A high quality gold medal match saw DC come out on top with a 26-18 win.
With 10 teams in the U15 category, schools were split into two groups of five with Dubai College coming away with a 100% record to progress into the semi finals of the cup competition, scoring 142 goals on their way to the knockouts.
A 25-19 win over English netball heavyweights Millfield School set up a cup final tie against Sandringham School, with DC emerging victorious thanks to a 26-16 victory in front of a sizeable crowd at Loughborough University.
There was also success for JESS in the U15 age group as their girls came away with silverware in the plate competition. A convincing 31-8 victory over Truro School in the semi finals led to a showdown with Streatham & Clapham High School from Greater London. JESS put on an excellent display to secure a 21-8 win and take home the plate.
The U17 age group was made up of eight schools with Dubai College coming out on top with an undefeated run of seven games. Their excellent performances set up the gold medal match with second placed Grammar School at Leeds. The Grammar School put up an excellent fight but in the end Dubai College were too strong and claimed their third trophy of the day with a 28-18 win.
Speaking on behalf of the World School Games Organising Committee, Scott Macfarlane said it was great to see so many smiling faces at the World Schools Netball Cup and he hopes the event will inspire the students to continue their sporting journeys.
“We were so pleased to welcome everyone to Loughborough University for the World Schools Netball Cup after three years without the event. The levels of quality and commitment on show throughout the tournament were testament to the hard work of the athletes and their coaches.
“It was so great to see parents and spectators in attendance across the three days, encouraging the students to perform to the best of their abilities and creating an electric atmosphere which really encouraged each and every one of the teams taking part.
The World School Games Event Series is a year-long collection of school sports events hosted across the globe, with the aim of unearthing the world champions of school sport.
For more information on the Event Series please visit wsgevents.com.