Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form’s netball team are celebrating after being crowned champions of the British Colleges Sport (BCS) North West (North region) League!
The College has an outstanding reputation for success in the BCS Leagues and this is the third consecutive year that the Netball Academy at Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form has taken the North West title. Coached and mentored by Head of PE at the College, Catherine Stanworth, the team has enjoyed a prolific season, winning matches across the North West against strong opposition.
The team was captained by Abi Fallows who plays centre and who is also an excellent shooter. Abi is studying A Levels including A Level PE and is also a Pendle Sports Ambassador for the College. Abi has lead the team to victory by using her leadership skills effectively and ensuring the team works well together. She has ensured that the team has reminded focused and determined to win throughout the season.
Jess Harrison who plays Wing Attack, is a Level 3 BTEC Sport student. She has played consistently well all year and has played every match, even whilst carrying a niggling back strain. Jess is a calm and reliable player who has played a key role in this year’s achievements.
Charlotte Beech is studying Public Services at College and she has maintained good form all year. She normally plays defence as either Goal Defence or Goal Keeper. Charlotte is the team’s anchor, always maintaining a level head and whose sense of humour motivates and encourages the team in all games.
Jenny Darcy also studying A Levels including PE, plays Wing Defence. Her reliability has been second to none this year and she has remained committed to College netball through her 2 years at College – she is a key player who links the whole team together.
Molly Frankland, also studying Level 3 BTEC Sport, is a county player who is new to the team this year. Molly is a defender but also plays centre when needed. Molly is an excellent technician whose knowledge and enthusiasm of the game is valued and entertaining!
Chloe Roscoe is an A Level student who is also new to the team this year. Chloe is a shooter but also plays defence very well indeed. Chloe can shoot from anywhere and rarely misses! She is a safe pair of hands which installs confidence within the team.
Becca Bridges is a Level 3 Art and Design student who is an excellent shooter and Gal Attack; she contributed well throughout the season and was a welcome addition to the team. Becca is very level headed and always keeps her cool.
Finally, Ashleigh Haythornthwaite is our versatile all rounder. Ashleigh is another A Level student, who shoots, defends and plays centre. Her pace and work rate is second to none. She fits perfectly into any role she is asked to, and is always cheerful; a real asset to our team.
The Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form Academy Team finished first place, ahead of Burnley College, who were second. Catherine Stanworth, Head of PE and Sport at the College, and the team’s coach said, “The College Netball Academy Team has won the North West British Colleges Sport League for three consecutive years now and it’s a great accomplishment – there are fantastic players in each and every team. Our girls have showed determination, commitment and above all, team-work and it is this which has allowed them to go on and be successful. I am so proud of what the team have achieved this year. They have played consistently well and supported each other in every game, making them a formidable team.”
