Whilst Lifeline would not have been the captains first choice of opponents it certainly ensured the Tornadoes were awake, congratulations to Elisabeth for keeping her cool and her head. We were delighted to hold our most competitive opposition to a narrow 5-4 loss gaining us a bonus losing point, thanks to some sure shooting from Adeola which was to continue all morning.

Banstead came up next and had, we felt, got much quicker since we last played them and deserving eventual winners of the B2N event – an enjoyable match was had by all. Alexia needed a break from centre (and who can blame her) well done to Shairy for taking one for the team and covering the Centre bib for the match against Hampton who I don’t think we’d played before. Nicole also switched from defence to Shooter for this match to ensure that the Captain got a break as well. I only wish we could have implemented some of the suggestions Millie was making in my ear as she umpired this match; Rome wasn’t built in a day and it’s worth remembering that some of this team have only been playing together since New Year.

As the temperatures continued to rise and the Jelly Babies (other sugary snacks were available) were consumed, the Tornadoes trundled on to a match against another well-known opponent in the shape of Chequers. There was some wonderful play with balls coming right where the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter needed them at our end whilst some superb pressure was being made by defence at the other end too. Despite some confusion preceding the Captains best personal goal of the morning in terms of penalties and where it should be taken from, the one ball that should never have made it to the net never mind through it sailed through , ensuring we had another very close match.

Our final match was against Purley, by this point our relatively inexperienced team had well and truly found their feet, the support of the Hurricanes team who were able to come and watch us was most welcome. All in all the Tornadoes had a wonderful morning of netball, proving that whilst the they may need some practise and the Captain requires some leadership experience they certainly don’t lack talent or stamina. The Captain couldn’t possibly choose a player of the tournament by the end of the morning we had gelled as a team and none of us could play without the other 8.

I could not possibly write this report without thanking the Mascots in the shape of Shairy’s three children – who were later joined by Jemma’s daughter. They hung onto the ‘Captains Masterplan’ the ‘Lucky Tossing Coin’ and the match schedule, cheered loudly, commiserated and laughed along with us, and caught the Captains sunglasses on at least two occasions when she was about to go and play with them on her head and lobbed them hastily off court in the right general direction. My final thanks goes to Millie for the organisation, and travelling round with us as chief umpire and score keeper and ensuring the Captain knew what was happening next.

Tornadoes Captain
Sarah Benham