Netball: Crystal Palace under-14s reach national finals

By Natasha Ayivor

Crystal Palace have qualified for the England Netball National Clubs under-14 finals.

It is the first time that the South London club have had both age groups achieve the feat in the same season, with the under-16 side also safely through.

The under-14 team played eight matches in one day to book their place, winning seven of them as they defeated Kent County (12-5), Rudgwick (20-4), AP Saints (11-6), Wealden (13-7), Roundwood (17-1) and Ashtead (14-9).

Palace were 15-6 victors over CFX in the semis before losing in the final to AP Saints (7-9), who will also go on to represent the London and South-East Region.

Coach Sharron Lewis-Burke said: “I am beyond proud of these girls. The high standard of netball they played throughout the day showed just how determined they were to qualify. 

“As a club it’s a phenomenal achievement that both our U14s and U16s have qualified for their both National Finals in the same season. Everybody at CPNC is buzzing with excitement.”

The 2018 finals will take place in Newcastle on May 26 and 27.