Tropical sun and games for netball squad
Oxford University Netball Club recently returned from their inaugural tour to Barbados.
The squad gained valuable experience against quality opposition, whilst taking full advantage of some of the best beaches and nightlife the Caribbean has to offer.
The squad took part in three demanding tour fixtures, one against a top island league team, and the others against the National Under-16 and Under-21 sides.
The athletic stature and team cohesion of the opposition made for a steep learning curve for the Oxford players. The Oxford girls were also put at a disadvantage by the intense heat, the weather being more conducive to lazing around the pool in matching OUNC bikinis than to athletic competition.
Encouragingly, Oxford were competitive in all games, posting an impressive win over their league-level opposition (25-10), and making the national sides work hard for their eventual victories, 16-22 and 18-37 the final scores.
Captain Elin Leyshon and Vice-Captain Becky Swarbrick led by example throughout, both being awarded 'Player of the Match' accolades on tour. Both of these Blues players have been approached by their national federations: Becky has been scouted as a potential England representative, whilst Elin will be competing in the Welsh Under-21 squad this year.
OUNC centre Caroline Sherrington feels the squad has emerged from the tour, which forms part of the new pre-season routine for the club, with improved team unity both on and off the court. The team have recognised the need for a new professionalism following a disappointing season last year. Team Captains have noticed a distinct change in attitude, and with a large contingent of returning Blues, the prospects for the season look good.
The aim is to regain BUSA premier league status after last year's relegation, and then to go on to overturn Cambridge in the Varsity Match in February. Captain Leyshon told The Oxford Student: "Everyone is more focused. We are confident that both the Firsts and Seconds can gain promotion this year. We are looking forward to the fresher trials to see if there are any new stars".
The netball team will also be training in preparation for a new tournament in eighth week, organised in association with the team's sponsor company, KPMG International.
14th Oct 2004