Sidmouth Netball Club entered six teams, across three age groups, into the Exeter and District Junior Winter League, writes Sarah Aires.

In the Under-14 age group, the club’s team were unbeaten throughout their campaign and ended up as Division Two champions.

This is quite an achievement for what is a relatively small squad, but one that showed consistent development throughout the league season.

Anna Welland, Maddie Whitfield, Hollie Howe and Katie Corbin proved to be an impenetrable defence, supporting the excellent mid-court and attacking play.

The speed demonstrated by the mid-court players, Saoirse Malton, Summer Hill and Tara Darlami, was too difficult to manage, and, coupled with the shooting prowess of Maddie Neilson and Amy Scott, the team were just too strong for the opposition.

A rapidly improving U13 squad continued to impress throughout the season with their hard work, resulting in a runner-up position in Division Four.

With another year within the age group to come, they are likely to see further success.

The youngest players, in the U12 age group, are showing great progression! Both of the Sidmouth teams, Swallows and Swifts, have gained wins in the second half of the season. Swifts were playing in a tough Division One and narrowly missed out on fourth place due to goal difference.

Swallows had their first two wins of the season in the later fixtures, showing their improvement and potential.

Unfortunately, the U16 last fixtures of the season were rained off due to horizontal rain on Saturday afternoon. Sidmouth Eagles are sitting top of Division One at the moment, but, with just two points separating them from Axe Vale in second place, it will be all to play for when the postponed fixtures are played in early January. Our younger U16 team, Falcons, have moved up an age group and held their own in Division Two. They are sitting comfortable mid-table and have gained some vital experience during the season.

Sidmouth Netball Club started in 2016 and has grown rapidly to its current state of having teams for the Under-12 age group, year on year, through to Under-16s.

The club are always keen to welcome new volunteers, especially anyone who is keen to join them as a coach.

Indeed, the club is in a position whereby they can provide full support in gaining coaching qualifications. It’s key to the future expansion of the club to a wider age group that additional coaches are found. Anyone interested in learning more is asked to contact the club via email at sidmouthnetball@gmail.com