Anne Hillyard Tournament 2009

Harrogate Phoenix entered two teams into the annual winter league curtain-raiser, The Anne Hillyard Tournament held at Rossett on Sunday. With a round robin section preceding knock-out rounds to decide the trophies, the tournament required stamina as well as skill!

Phoenix A started the day with an 11-7 victory against Eagles and followed this by beating Hawks 14-7. Two convincing wins then ensued, 14-4 against Harriers and 14-2 against Unicorns. The match against club-mates Phoenix B then followed. This was a close affair, with the final score being 7-4 in favour of the A team. Another comprehensive victory against Tigers (14-4) saw Phoenix A enter the final round robin game unbeaten. The last match was against close rivals HiLites. A physical encounter saw HiLites come out on top, 12-8.

Phoenix B also had a successful round robin campaign. The day began with victories against Harriers (10-5), Hawks (11-3) and Tigers (11-5). They suffered the narrow loss to Phoenix A before also being edged out in another close games with HiLites, eventually losing 15-12. Phoenix B soon returned to winning ways, triumphing against Eagles (13-7) and Unicorns (17-5). Their round robin section finished, played seven – won five, lost two.

The quarter finals saw Phoenix A pitched against Harriers, with Phoenix winning 16-3. Phoenix B received a bye in the quarter finals, progressing straight to a semi-final against HiLites. Unfortunately they faced defeat again, this time 14-7. Phoenix A competed their semi-final against Eagles. The round robin result was reversed, with Eagles securing a 9-7 victory to line up against HiLites in the final. HiLites beat Eagles in the final to win overall. Phoenix A did however, secure the trophy for best defence.

A jam-packed and enjoyable day’s netball was had by all. The tournament held in memory of Anne Hillyard, who did a great deal for netball in Harrogate and District, is played for charity. Anne’s daughters decided this year’s proceeds should go to Sports Relief.

Phoenix A Squad: Shauna Mulligan, Lynn McAra, Laura Baker, Sam Jefferson, Megan Mordue, Wendy Sharp, Caroline Artindale, Vicky Heap.

Phoenix B Squad: Zoe Russell, Lizzie Hughes, Sarah Quick, Emma Robinson, Cath Knowles, Fiona Ross, Anne Handley, Alex Thornton.