Welwyn Hatfield Netball League
End of Season Versatility Tournament 25 April 2009
Hertford Heath Rangers defied the odds in more ways that one on their way to winning the WHNL end of season versatility tournament. Captain Victoria Perez won the toss in all nine games which was an omen that the team were able to follow.
On a day of changeable weather and in the face of competition from higher leagues the Hertford team played superbly to win the 34 team event. Gemma Cranfield organised the team strategy to ensure that although a versatility format the team had the right players in the right position throughout the event which ultimately enabled at least one recognised defender and shooter for each match. First opponents were the high flying league three team Contrasol, the team that Hertford Heath defeated the previous week to ensure second division status in the next campaign, the initial match was close with Hertford running out three goal winners, after quickly disposing of Storm and Hertford Hornets V, the girls beat the difficult Trios before winning comfortably against Hatfield Magpies.
Higher division opponents Ladro and Dodgers Ruby were all that was left for the team to progress to an unlikely semi final berth, strong performances from youngster Holly Shilston, Ellie Burt and super consistent Cheryl Hodge helped ensure victory in both matches was achieved surprisingly easily. At this point the Hertford players began to feel that victory in the tournament was within their capabilities and excellent team communication again made sure that the correct team selection was made for both the semi with one eye already on a final place.
As the team walked out for the 1pm Semi Final against Dodgers Maroon they had played and won seven matches and were facing a division one team also unbeaten on their way to this point, the key position of centre was taken by captain Victoria Perez whose inspired performance again led the team to a comfortable victory, special mention for the ever consistent Maria Perez and timeless Linda Prentice needs to be made as they both in their own quiet way worked tirelessly for the team.
With thirty-two teams eliminated Hertford Heath Rangers faced Unicorn Jets who had beaten Lemsford Springers on their way to the final, both teams were unbeaten but the Unicorn team again were two divisions higher than Hertford, the critical team selection was as follows; GK Holly Shilston, GD Linda Prentice, WD Maria Perez, C Gemma Cranfield, WA Victoria Perez, GA Cheryl Hlodge, GS Ellie Burt. It was immediately apparent that they were up against their toughest opponents on the day but excellent teamwork and some robust defending from Lyn and Holly complemented by superb under pressure shooting from Cheryl and Ellie ensured that slowly the team began to pull away from Unicorn. By halftime the lead was four goals but never comfortable with two minutes to go, the lead was down to two with a Unicorn centre pass it was at this point that the team galvanised for a final effort and the midfield trio of Gemma, Vicky and Maria held firm as the team held on for a brilliant win by two goals.
Anyone seeing the team today for the first time would have struggled to spot the players who were playing out of position which is testament to the teamwork shown by all.
This was an all round team success and picking an overall outstanding player is difficult as everyone contributed to a great Victory but on the day Victoria Perez just about shaded the accolade, however in my opinion Cheryl was extremely close.
Keith Prentice