05th February 2026
Netball Team Strikes Gold at National Schools Competition
The BHASVIC netball squad delivered a stunning performance this weekend, securing gold at the South Region round of the National Schools competition and booking their place in the prestigious National Finals!
The journey began back in October with the opening round of the National Schools tournament. Competing in the Sussex division, BHASVIC shone from the outset, finishing as Sussex champions, a remarkable step up from last year’s second place. With two teams progressing from each county, BHASVIC confidently advanced to the South Region stage, ready to test themselves against some of the strongest schools in the area.
A Rocky Start and an Impressive Turnaround
The regional round, held last weekend, began with a challenging opener against Wellington. Our team struggled to find rhythm early on and fell to a 16-7 loss, narrowly missing out on a bonus point for reaching half the opposition’s score.
But the team responded with resilience and determination. They went on to win every remaining group match, regaining momentum. By the final round of group fixtures, BHASVIC, Wellington, and King Edward VI had each suffered one defeat, setting up a nail-biting finish.
With Wellington and King Edward VI sitting on 16 points, BHASVIC were just one point behind on 15, still feeling the consequences of that single goal missed against Wellington. Expecting both teams above them to win their final matches, BHASVIC were bracing for disappointment.
Then, in a dramatic twist, King Edward VI drew 12-12 with Wycombe Abbey, allowing BHASVIC to leapfrog into second place and secure qualification to the semi-finals.
Strong Performances Under Pressure
The semi-final saw BHASVIC take on St Helen and St Katharine, with the match proving tense. The team showed composure throughout, sealing a confident 12–10 victory and, with it, their place in the National Finals, as two teams progress from the region.
A Final to Remember
Fittingly, the final pitted BHASVIC once again against Wellington, their only defeat of the day, and the team they were eager to challenge again.
And this time, BHASVIC made it count!
Determined to deliver a stronger performance, they played with energy, precision, and professionalism, turning the tables to secure a 13-8 win and claim the South Region title.
A Golden Achievement
From a slow start to a gold‑medal finish, BHASVIC’s campaign showcased resilience, teamwork, and exceptional drive. Their regional victory not only crowns them as South Region champions but sends them into the National Finals with confidence and momentum.
A huge congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff for an outstanding achievement - bring on the Nationals!
Now take part in the National Schools finals at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on 14th March.
Follow the team's progress here: 
Captain's Players of the Day
Attack - Hannah Morris
Centre court - Alice O'Connor
Defence - Phoebe Leech
Coach's player of the day
The whole squad! All absolutely fantastic. 10 players, only 7 on court at one time, absolutely no weak positions.
Quotes from the team!
“It is an absolute honour and a privilege to captain this team of talented girls! I am so proud of what we achieved in the South Region round and I fully believe that we are only going to get stronger! The support from our coach Lyndsey, our parents and the wider BHASVIC community has been invaluable and has made all the difference in our success this year!”
Jasmine Howard Captain
"I couldn’t be prouder of this team and what we have achieved this year! I hope that this inspires new up and coming students to join the netball academy"
Abi Thomas Vice Captain
"These girls are fantastic athletes. After starting slowly against Wellington they pulled themselves back up to go from strength to strength throughout the rest of the day. Competing as the only state representative at U19 level that do not come with hours of training each week or an entourage of staff, they showed what teamwork and focus can achieve. Absolutely no weakness in the squad, I knew I was coming with a stronger squad than last year and when I thought we were going to be going home early due to one goal I was very frustrated. But a little bit of luck with another score going our way allowed the girls to show what they can really do, and a performance like that against Wellington in the final topped off a fantastic competition."
Lyndsey Whiley - Coach