Seevic College’s netball team topped off an incredible season by gaining the British Colleges Sport National Knock-Out Cup Champions title.

For 10 years, this prestigious title has been out of reach for the Benfleet-based college netball team, however this year they brought the cup home.

Head Coach, Hannah Austin said: “I could not have asked for anything more from the girls.

“In what has been a turbulent, but exciting season for the team, gaining a second national title in two years is an achievement the college and the girls should be immensely proud of.” The team battled through five rounds of fierce competition; beating Palmer’s College (48-32), Barton Pevrill College (40-37), and Taunton College in the quarter finals (67-44), before beating Exeter College away in the semi-final (42-38).

The final against Cardinal Newman College was held at Loughborough University.

The starting line up for the game was goalkeeper Rianna Reid (19, from Rochford), goal defence Jessica Abrahams (18, from Westcliff), wing defence Charlotte Dodd (19, from Wickford), centre Ashleigh Munns (18, from Basildon) wing attack Kirsty Dyer (18, from Benfleet), goal attack Brook Dyer (18, from Benfleet) and goal shooter Rosie Vanlint (16, from Rayleigh).

However after 15 minutes of intense play, the teams were drawn at 8-8. Changes were made pushing Munns to goal shooter, Dodd to centre and introducing Zara Heath (16, from Leigh) to wing defence.

Seevic then made their break.

The defence were tipping balls left, right and centre and turning balls over to provide Seevic with the majority of the possession.

The attacking players were utilising every opportunity to increase the margin between the two teams but Cardinal Newman were not giving in.

The girls were taking big hits from the Preston, side but the Seevic team’s skill, ability and pure determination was enough to secure a 10 goal lead by the end of the third quarter.

By the fourth quarter Leah Pavelin (aged 17, from Basildon) stepped on to court at wing defence and helped ensure the win, by completely marking the goal attack out of the game with an overall result of 40-55.

Coach Austin added: “On the day, the standard of play was nothing but superior to what we have seen throughout the season and Cardinal Newman did not have an answer to our game plan.

“By the end of the last quarter the team had nothing more to give, securing a win that defines true champions.

“Due to the nature of college sport, I will be deeply upset to lose the majority of the squad – they have created a legacy that we will endeavour to continue. Special recognition to the ability and team commitment was displayed by Charlotte Dodd and Rianna Reid who have been key players within the squad for three years, and have been highly instrumental and influential in our run of success.” This season alone, Seevic College’s netball team are English Schools East region champions, BCS East region champions, English Schools National finalists, gained 4th place at BCS National finals and have now been crowned National Cup champions.

>If you are interested in the Netball at Seevic College and would like to find out more, please contact the college on 01268 756 111 or email info@seevic-college.ac.uk for further information.