A severely weakened Weston Netball Club youth squad performed brilliantly, despite losing narrowly to Yatton 2.

WESTON Netball Club’s youth squad played out of their skins against Yatton 2 in Division 2 of the Weston League.

Going into the match with just five players, the youngsters, all aged 14 and 15, knew they had a tough game ahead of them. Rachel Mason from the senior squad rushed down at the last minute to help out, but could only come on around five minutes into the game.

With six players, the young squad found some confidence and thanks some great feeds from Charlotte Sharpe into the circle to GA Issy Fowles and newcomer Erin Norris, they took the lead.

But just before the end of the first quarter, disaster struck as Fowles went over on her ankle and was forced to retire.

The remaining players battled the more experienced Yatton side for the rest of the game and against all odds, managed to stay ahead through quarters two and three.

Mason moved into GA and even without a WA and WD, they managed to get every centre pass out and take them to goal. Sharpe had a tough job as centre, being the only connecting player on the court, but she never gave up, while Norris ‘ shooting was spot on – the 14-year-old played an absolute stormer in her debut for the team.

Player of the match Jenessa Gotsell and Maria E Anghel worked their socks off in defence and despite being on the back foot, the girls managed to get the better of Yatton’s four-strong attack.

Sadly for the youngsters, Yatton 2 finally managed to take advantage of the fact they had two free players in the last quarter and edged ahead, taking the match 24-19.