Macclesfield - Netball County Champions

21 Oct 2021 10:10
Published by: Scott Callan

King's hot-shot Madi Baxter drew strength from a late injury to her team-mate Amiee Venables to bag the golden goal in a thrilling Cheshire County Tournament Final.

After a series of dominant displays in the preliminary round, The King's School under-16 team drew on their collective team spirit to bag the extra-time winner against The Grange.

Tied 13-13 after full time in a gripping end to end encounter in which no quarter was given or taken, King's looked on their last legs when brave Amiee fell foul of a puncture wound to her knee. However, as she was being treated on the side lines, Madi took dead aim to score the winning goal.

Coach Phil Owen who also trains the Manchester Thunder side said: "Madi has been on fire all day and was given that extra incentive when her friend Aimee went down."

The King's team had been the powerhouse of the tournament, beating Upton 10-4, Wilmslow High 12-3, Fallibroome 13-7, King's Chester 21-2 and Alderley Edge School for Girls 13-7 in the semi-final.

With Captain and England Netball Roses Academy under 17 National Academy star Lydia Hine leading from the front in defence and Loughborough Lightning's Madi Baxter on form in attack with Cheshire County players Minty Kight and Aimee Venables to the fore, King's looked a formidable unit.

However, as Phil Owen emphasised: "What makes this team really special is the versatility of all the players with Gabby McIntyre, Georgie Sanders, Leah Shadwell and Penny Tomlinson all playing huge roles in their success."

There has been even more success in younger age groups with Daisy Sutton from Year 10 gaining selection for Leeds Rhinos U15. Bea Worlock from Year 9 making the Cheshire County U14 Academy. Esme Sutton from Year 8 selected for the Cheshire County U13 Academy. Charlotte Baxter from Year 7 in the Manchester Thunder Bees, Hattie Usher from Year 7 in Manchester Thunder Bees Pod and Cheshire County U12 Academy. Tilly Collins from Year 7 in the Manchester Thunder Bees Pod and Minnie Farooq Year 7 in the Manchester Thunder Bees Pod.

Pictured from left to right in white are Minnie Farooq, Tilly Collins, Charlotte Baxter, Bea Worlock, Hattie Usher, Daisy Sutton, Esme Sutton and at the front Lalli Brown.

Pictured from left to right in red are Georgie Sanders, Leah Shadwell, Gabby McIntyre, Minty Kight, Amiee Venables, Madi Baxter and Lydia Hine

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