OAKE, Bradford and Nynehead Primary School took a team to the Somerset School Netball Games at Millfield – and returned as champions.

Teacher Claire Rogerson, who runs the team – made up of Jemima, Kaitlyn, Esme, Eliza, Imogen, Lucas, Louie and Brandon – reports.

“Our first game was against Combe St Nicholas and we started with a win – 4-0 with goals from Brandon and Jemima.

“Our second game against Chewton Mendip didn’t get off to such a flying start and at half-time we found ourselves 3-2 down. However, OBN’s fighting spirit kicked in and we ended up winning the game 8-3 with Lucas scoring a staggering five goals, along with two from Louie and one from Esme.

“Having won both games in the morning, the team were through to the semi-finals. After lunch, we played the runner-up from the other group games that had been taking place that morning, West Chinnock, which we won 4-3, with more goals from Brandon and Jemima.

“We had made it through to the finals! We had a nail-biting 20-minute break while the play-offs for 5th and 6th place took place and then we were up. 

“The final was against Combe St Nicholas, who we had already played against and won, but we couldn’t take anything for granted. Our team went back onto the court with the same spirit and determination they have shown in all their games throughout the year.  We quickly took the lead in the first-half and were soon 3-0 up with a hat-trick from Louie. 

“Combe St Nicholas fought back and scored a goal making it 3-1. After half-time, all we needed to do was maintain our lead for seven minutes and we would be the Small Schools County Champions. We went out and defended hard. After what seemed like a lifetime, the final whistle of the day blew and we had done it. We had won all of our games and won the cup.  

“It was a wonderful day and the children who played, as well as the ones who played in other tournaments that got us there – Charlie and Meadow – should be tremendously proud of themselves. They showed great sportsmanship and really did the school proud. There were some very emotional parents – and teacher – on the netball court that afternoon – and rightly so.”