Last weekend Netball teams from around Europe went head to head in the U17 European Championships in Belfast. In the development category were: Northern Ireland, The Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar and our very own Switzerland. After playing three intense matches Switzerland won a well earned gold medal, taking first place and becoming the European Champions!
The Swiss Netball team consists of players of all different ages but the three things they all have in common is that they all live in Switzerland, they all have a burning passion for netball, and an immeasurable amount of talent for the sport. This year’s squad was made up of:
Grace Beesley - GK, GD Agathe Grand d’Hauteville - GK, GD, WD Ella Maier - GK, GD Lisa de Bruyn - WD Giulia Vonlanthen di Nenna - WA,C,WD Ruby Gribben - C, WA Niamh Coburn - C, WA Laura Rigby - GA , GS Sasha Dickinson - GA, GS Chloé Learwood - GA, GS Lea Pfister - GA, GS Olivia Ralph - GA, GS
IIL's very own Chloe Learwood, age 15, was one of the team’s goal shooters. This was her sixth international cap after her first performances in last year's European Championship at the mere age of 14, in which Switzerland came 2nd.
Players from all teams played exceptionally well, however Switzerland outshone everyone winning all their matches! On day one they were up against the Republic of Ireland. A thought to be unobtainable number of nets were scored with Switzerland winning 83-9. With one incredible win under their belts, the pressure was on to continue performing at this level.
On day two, Switzerland were competing against Northern Ireland who had the home advantage on their side. Despite
this, Switzerland managed to keep the lead in the match and ended up winning quite safely with a score of 49-20.
The last match was the deciding one. Who would become the 2017 European Champions? It was very reminiscent of last year’s deciding match against Gibraltar who they were now playing once again. However the deja vu only lasted during the first quarter which ended with Switzerland a few points behind Gibraltar. Luckily, in the second quarter Switzerland started to bring it back and it ended with them being one point ahead of Gibraltar! The last two quarters had goal after goal being scored by Switzerland's incredible shooters, taking Switzerland further and further forward. The talented attack got the ball down to them successfully every time and the strong defence managed to block Gibraltar when they got into the circle. This time it was Switzerland who won! 43-27. It was the most intense match yet, but their most rewarding one too. It was a gold worthy performance.
The atmosphere in Antrim Forum was buzzing. Swiss cow bells ringing from the stands, the Swiss spectators signature sound. Tears of happiness came from the girls and smiles stretched across their whole faces, becoming contagious and spreading around the ecstatic spectators and coaches.
The awards ceremony took place later that afternoon, the team still beaming with happiness. They were awarded their first place trophy and and gold medals that they truly did deserve. The Swiss national anthem was played as everybody stood to congratulate them. Switzerland are the champions!
HOP SUISSE!