U12's Perform Superbly at Regionals

28th April 2019 - Titans took two teams to the South West Regional U12 Tournament in Paignton, in which proved to a valuable learning experience for our talented U12 members. Team Meteors had a hugely successful day, finishing joint 3rd out of 15 teams from the whole of the South West Region. 

They started their campaign brightly, and secured a fine win to set them off v Penzance 10-3. Player of the day Lola Fitzsimmons was on firing form in the shooting circle, to take all 10 goals from only 12 attempts. They then took on Exeter, in which saw a narrow defeat of 1 goal, 4-5. Next they faced Taunton side Galmington. Chelsea Rooke was intercepting a lot of ball to take another win 9-3. They then faced Jersey side Team Jets. This proved to be a tough challenge, as these were strong contenders for the crown, but everyone played their hearts out, and Freya Kenny rose to the challenge as wing attack to provide a safe unit out from the centre pass. They saw another defeat, 4-12. Meteors then faced TTNC, and again came out guns blazing, to secure a great team result of winning 9-4. Their last encounter match for the group would decide if they progressed anymore in the competition, and it was all to play for by both sides. They faced Team Bath, and everyone kept their calm on court, as Titans coaches and spectators were feeling the nerves, as at half time the score line was level. The team rose to the occasion, and superb interceptions, good court linkage and fine shooting from Lola, secured the win 10-5, to see them a semi final spot. What a fantastic achievement from them all. For the semi final, they faced TTNC no 1 team, and this started off with the first goal being taken by Team Meteors. Where we lacked in height, we certainly tried to make up in spirit on the court. TTNC proved too strong for us, and they took the win 2-11. 

On to Team Stars, in which 8 out of the 9 players were playing a year early.  This certainly didn't phase them, and they pulled off some fine results, and will gain valuable learning for next year.

The first game was certainly a challenge, and they actually faced the eventual winners of TTNC No1 team. It was a shock to the system, but they didn't give up, and took a heavy defeat 1-23. They dusted themselves off, to face Honiton in the 2nd game. Unfortunately our shots didn't sink into the net for the shooting duo, and what could have been ours for the taking, we ended up with another defeat 2-6. Next we came up against the strong unit of Hucclecote. The height of the opposition proved a challenge for Team Stars, and a defeat 2-11. Then came the first sight of getting near to a win. We faced Keniton, and with a positional change from shooter to keeper for Freyja Malin, she gained vital interceptions to keep Team Stars with their opponents. Rhianna Beel was accurate to goal, and with only a few minutes left on the clock and 3 goals down, Team Stars rallied together to claw themselves back into the game, and achieve their first draw 7-7. They were improving with each game, and next saw them face Sidmouth. Everyone linked well up the court and played their part to take their first win 8-2. Their next game was against Dart, and Freya Broom and Rhianna Beel were linking well in the goal circle to secure 9 out of 12 attempts.  Eliza Cutler was dominated in defence, for another fine win 9-4. Their final fixture of the day, saw them against Cornish side Penryn. With confidence high after their couple of wins, we wanted them to see the day out positively. They kept their nerve to the end, to secure another draw 6-6.  Team Stars ended up 4th in their group of 8.

Players Player of the tournament Winners - Team Stars - Rhianna Beel (for shooting stats of 18 scored out of 23 attempts = 78%) ; Team Meteors - Lola Fitzsimmons (for her movement, speed and determination to win the ball, and some fine shooting too)

Coaches Player of the tournament Winners - Team Stars - Eliza Cutler (determination to win the ball); Team Meteors - Chelsea Rooke (for great interception skills and especially in defence).