Frome Netball Club has secured a historic promotion to Regional League 3 for the first time in the club’s 75-year history.
They sealed their promotion via the play-offs on Sunday 7th June which saw five teams competing for two available places, with matches played in short formats of ten minutes each way.
Team member Freya Kingsley reports, “It had been a long and tiring road to this day, but finally the opportunity to reach a regional league was upon on. This isn’t just a huge opportunity for the players, but Frome Netball club, founded by June Barnes in 1950, has never got to regional play offs before. Success today would put little old Frome on the netball map.
“With five teams vying for two spots the pressure was on. Our opponents were a combination of other county champions and those trying to retain their position within RL3.
“First up, Churchdown, Gloucester. We needed a moment to find our feet, but once we settled into the second half, the Frome magic started flowing and we got into a rhythm ending game one with a 14-10 win.
“After a short break we were back on court against Bournemouth, a young team with speed on their side. Frome had found their flow and produced some lovely netball. Final score 16-10 to Frome. We were halfway and two wins up…
“Then we met Randwick, Gloucester who were fighting to keep their position within RL3. A physical game which required slightly different tactics and we prevailed with another win, 14-11. Frome had done enough to secure one of the two spots!!
“Our final match was against Imperial, Bristol. We had every intention of going on court to win, even though the result of this game wouldn’t matter. But in truth, Imperial wanted the win more to take the last regional spot. Final score 17-7 to Imperial.
“Our girls worked so hard for this. It has been a year-long campaign with hours and hours of training and dedication. Success can absolutely be put down to the talent of our players but equally to the bond this group of women has formed.
“Huge thanks to Paula Isaacs and Emily Chapman for their coaching roles, and to our amazing player coach Lucy Clarke who has prepped us physically, emotionally and been the driving force behind our success.
“We’ll begin pre-season training later this Summer but for now… a well-earned break!”
