The Sheffield Netball League – Autumn 2011 Season Review
13 Nov 2012
Champs crowned The Sheffield Netball Premiership champions for the second season in a row.
Premiership
Champs proved that they were not a one season wonder, as they clinched their second title in as many seasons. Champs completed a perfect season, which saw them finish undefeated and with an 100% record. They become only the third Premiership team in history to achieve this feat and it is the first time since the summer 2007 season that a team have won all their matches. At times Champs were unplayable this season and fired in a staggered 606 goals – a new Premiership record! It was a dominant season long display and it cements Champs as the team to beat next season. Wadsley Jack also had a very good season, which saw them finish in the runners up spot. It is the first time since their title winning summer 2010 season that they have finished in the top two.
Champs - Premiership Champions
The player of the season award was shared between four players all finishing on 5 nominations. They were Lucy Crowley (Champs), Lucy Hobson (Elite), Jo Smith (Champs) and Jo Willis (The Toyoda Girls). This really does show the strength of the Premiership these days and what makes it the greatest league in the world!
Jo Willis - joint player of the season
Championship
Stakes + Hartley put the disappointment of last season’s shock relegation behind them and bounced back to the Premiership at the first time of asking. They stormed back into the big time with fantastic season, which saw them lose just one game. Along with High Green Cyclones, who finished as runners up and clinch the final promotion place, they were both head and shoulders above the rest of the competition this season. It makes both teams worthy additions to the Premiership and on this form both will feel they can make a big impact in the top flight next season.
The player of the season award was won by Flying Foxes star player Beth Moore, with a total of seven nominations.
League One
After back to back relegations The Shadows stopped the rot this season and confined the last two seasons to history, with a superb title triumph. The team have done exceptionally well to re-group this season and have made a quick return to the Championship in style. They will now hope to build on this success next season and consolidate these improvements after a turbulent yet exciting few seasons for The Shadows. The Shadows were pushed right to the wire by North Stars and Swoosh, in a very exciting title race. In fact the top three were separated by just four points. In the battle for the final promotion spot North Stars held their nerve and return to the Championship for the first time since summer 2009 season. A truly fantastic season for North Stars who surprised a lot of teams this season, but are well deserved runners up.
The Shadows - League One champions
The player of the season award was won by Storm’s star player Karen Fretwell, with a total of nine nominations. It was an amazing season for Karen, who has also achieved a new division record with that performance. It will be a tough one to beat.
League Two
Hallam Hustlers stormed to the title and into League One with a sensational first season in the league. They completed a perfect season winning all 14 games and fired in an impressive 526 goals. They played some fantastic netball this season and very much look like a team to watch for the future. Handsworth Miss Fits, also in their first season in the league, clinched the runners up spot and join Hallam Hustlers in League One next season. They were both the stand out performers this season and are well deserved of their promotion places. This was the first season of our new League Two division, so there were a number of new teams this season, as well as a few familiar faces. It made for a fantastic and very interesting season. Well done to all the new teams , some of who had not played netball for a number of years. Everyone acquitted themselves admirably. We look forward to you all being part of the league for many seasons to come and watching your progress.
The player of the season was won in some style by Blundell Belles star player Alexandra Hambelton, with an amazing 11 nominations. Not only has she set a very tough divisional record, but it is also the joint all time league record! Very well done to her and the team in their first season.
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Alexandra Hambelton - record breaker!
To view the final league tables click here
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