Harrogate Phoenix Netball Club

Phoenix Ferns have topped-off a successful season by qualifying to play in the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional League next year.

Ferns, representing North Yorkshire, faced a tough qualifying tournament containing the top teams from the West Yorkshire and Humberside county leagues. The tournament was held in the ‘tent’ at the University of York, which provided very hot playing conditions! Ferns faced three matches (each was four quarters of ten minutes), and utilised their large squad of players to full effect.

The first match against Shipley ended in a narrow 28-27 defeat, although this earned the team a valuable point for achieving over half of the victor’s score. Ferns stepped-up their play in the second match against Wyke, with some excellent teamwork resulting in a 25-19 victory.

Needing only a point from their final game to secure regional netball, Ferns faced a strong Leeds Carnegie side. Leeds dominated the match at times, but Ferns maintained their composure to obtain the point they required, despite losing 38-22.

Ferns’ squad showed tremendous commitment in both attack and defence throughout the tournament. There was some excellent shooting and circle play from Shauna Mulligan, Steph Davies and Danielle Collings. Emma McAra had a stormer at WA, with Alice Hardy and Sam Jefferson running their socks off in centre court. The defence worked really hard to intercept and turnover the opposition’s centre pass. Lynn McAra had a great run at WD, with circle defenders Vicky Heap, Lizzie Hughes and Tracey Kingswood battling hard against some very tall shooters.

Many thanks go to Coach Carole Fozard for all her encouragement and support. Also to Patsy Russell, for withstanding the heat to be our Scorer. Thanks also go to our ‘cheerleaders’ Felicity O’Leary and Hayley Waldridge.

Ferns will now play in the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional League in addition to their commitments in NYNAL Division 1. This is a great achievement for the club, with 2010/11 shaping up to be a very exciting season.