SOPHIE Bundock from Basingstoke was captain of the Weston Park Blades’ Under-16 netball squad, based in Winchester, which took up part in the National Club Finals.

The finals weekend was the culmination of eleven months’ hard work, with Weston Park Blades qualifying as one of the top 18 teams in the country after success in a regional league.

The finals tournament was split into three stages culminating in a final positional match on day two. Weston Park Blades played four matches on the first day, starting with a strong win against Ryland from the West Midlands.

Having built up a good lead and even though Ryland came back towards the end, Weston Park Blades won the match 29-21.

The second match was expected to be tough as Leeds Athletic had a number of the under-17 England Netball Academy players in their squad. Despite some great interceptions, and every player in the Blades’ squad of 12 taking to court to play their part, Leeds won 36-10.

In the second stage in the tournament on the Saturday afternoon, three teams played one another to determine the day two placings.

Weston started very strongly against Turnford NC from the East of England, racing to win an 8-1 lead at the end of the first quarter on their way to a 26-22 victory.

The fourth match, saw the Blades beaten by Hucclecote from the West of England. Despite beating Turnford, who eventually finished sixth, due to goal difference Weston Park were placed in the lower section of the draw for the final placings.

The following day saw the final group stage matches, which saw Weston come up against Riverside from the North East of England and won 32-19.

TTNC Spartens from the South West were up next and Weston won comfortably 30-14.

Results from the group stages were then collated and based on previous results they played off for 13th and 14th place, against their first opponents in the tournament Ryland and won the game 27-18.

For any players interested in taking their netball to the next level, trials for westonparkblades.co.uk to register, whilst adult players can attend senior screening on June 28.