The very last week of the season for all, ending with a ‘handicap’ tournament which on first looking was confusing to most. Teams placed in groups and those lower seeded teams would start matches with a ‘plus goal’ handicap depending on the perceived gap in teams quality.

Early signs meant we knew it was going to be a difficult day for the Sapphire girls, not really understanding how the league came to the ‘handicaps’ they did, with our closest rivals in the league BCNC starting on a +2 goals before we had even started. The added blow was losing 2 of our keys players; L HABERSHON out on a family tradition of a ‘daddy daughters’ camping weekend and E AYLING having confirmed fractured fingers following the week priors fierce games, ending the ‘Versatility Cup’ matches.

This weekend was very much seen as a week to enjoy the weather and just enjoy the company, ending irrespective of the outcomes with the much awaited collection of their league winners trophies.

The format of the day in addition to the handicaps were the lacking of need for forced ‘rotations’ and a much quicker turn around, rather than quarters having two halves.
The plan; play for fun, the intention was still to rotate players to make it enjoyable and ensure players got that opportunity in front of goal which most prefer (with some tactics thrown in for certain players for good measure ;-) )

GAME 1 - BEDFORD TIGERS SAPPHIRES VS SHEFFORD STARS
A team finishing mid-table in division two this season but have proved to be a good netball ing side. Setting off with our two youngest and smallest up top, G AYLING and N MAHWING, lets see what mayhem they could create.
O PYECROFT to lead out the side and requiring added support from their sisters ‘The Jades’ providing players in our regular line-ups absence.

A strong defence was clear from the first whistle with little making it into our defensive third and it was not long before the break through. An obstruction called alllowing a quick early free pass from LYNCH, out to MARTIN who chose well and sharply, into the D to find G AYLING who found the net in the 2nd minute, making it number 7 for the season.

Bedford Tigers Sapphires 1 Shefford Stars 0

More chances came but just the one goal lead coming into half time.

Half time saw the inclusion of Jades player S DEBNAM a rangey tall defender who would slot in at GK.
A quick start from the Tigers girls again had our 2nd, this time from E HIGGENS after a number of opportunities finding the rim.

Bedford Tigers Sapphires 2 Shefford Stars 0

An quick return goal by Stars who seemed to have their best shooter now under the post, a confident finish.

Bedford Tigers Sapphires 2 Shefford Stars 1

With Shefford having a one goal handicap this, in practice meant we were all square and the clock was ticking down. Reserved to the fact we were destined for a draw, up steps HIGGENS and another goal, assisting herself of a rebounded initial shot once more. Her second goal of the game which nipped her into 28 for the season and this seasons top goal scorer, in the absence of closely contested L HABERSHON.

Final Score - Bedford Tigers Sapphires 3 Shefford Stars 1 (Handicap Score 3-2)

Stand out performances from E HIGGENS in defence and up top but special mention for an excellent performance by S DEBNAM who shut out their GS, listened into coaching instruction and provide some well timed interceptions and discipline across the defensive third.

An extra 14 minutes on the board for N MAHWING in the GS position, our determined young player determined to convert her first ever netball goal and the only Sapphires player yet to get on the scoreboard. A rollercoaster of emotions for this player who had set herself that objective early in the season but time was running out. We all wanted it for her so bad!

GAME 2 - BEDFORD TIGERS SAPPHIRES VS MAULDEN LIONS
Was always going to be tough, another first division side, performing well this season and looking around the court, a very tired and exhausted Tigers team. I think this might be due to a mixture of extremely hot conditions today and a equally hot and long day the play before where they celebrated their end of season and had presentation awards. It was a long and energetic day and was clear these games were end of season. The girls always give their everything but with a depleted team their were a lot of tired faces out there.

Starting with a one goal handicap was just not going to be enough in these circumstances, never dominated but the lions just seemed to have that extra something to make each opportunity count. 2-0 before half time meant there was still all to play for as the handicap score meant 2-1 for the tournament. We were not without chances with MARTIN shooting on sight but narrowly missing the target on each occasion.

The Lions were out in the second half seemingly a player down which in the circumstances we simply couldn’t capitalise on and exploit that additional player over. A final and single goal in the second by Maulden sealed the deal and ended the game.

Final Score - Bedford Tigers Sapphires 0 Maulden Lions 3 (Handicap score - 1-3)

One win one loss, often in group stages meant it was going to be difficult to move through the group, especially up against a Rubies side which we have always had close fought battles against, with a 2-0 advantage for them, another difficult ask.

GAME 3 - BEDFORD TIGERS SAPPHIRES VS BCNC RUBIES
Likely to the last game of the day, we were going out to do our best as always but to enjoy the day and the moment together. What we all didnt realise until long after was this was to be their last competitive game together as a group, their last competitive game as ‘Sapphires’ as we know them. With many of the team moving up the the years 7-8 age group leaving G AYLING and N MAHWING to lead the way in the 4-6’s moving into year 5’s next year.

The actual game really was insignificant in comparison. Another closely fought contest against our biggest rivals all season, always close, always tough but always enjoyable.
Rubies went up early following a penalty conceded for contact which was converted. A bit of a mountain to climb as it was ridicously 0-3 on handicap scores already.
A quick break away on the counter attack, something which this team are known for and is a pleasure to watch, ball moving quickly from player too player through the phases, not giving the BCNC side to keep up with play and landing with G AYLING once more who seems to find that net easier and easier these days.

Bedford Tigers Sapphires 1 BCNC Rubies 1

Wasn’t long before Rubies ended that gap again, finding their tall shooter in position who neatly tucked away her chance before half time.

Bedford Tigers Sapphires 1 BCNC Rubies 2

As we came out for the last half it was a partnership of MAHWING and PYECROFT in the attacking formation. There was literally 7 minutes of netball left. What else happened in those 7 minutes, don’t ask me, everything else was over shadowed by what happened next!
1-2 down (1-4 on handicap) The outcome was really decided. the tenacity of the tiny MAHWING who listened and learnt, dug deep throughout the season. She kept getting the instruction to get ‘ballside’, ‘get in front of your defender’…. And with two minutes of play left everything seemed to slip into a slow motion scene from a Hollywood movie. MAHWING, moving one way then another, dipping in front of her marker. Just enough to receive the ball directly under the post. Surely not?!?!? …. With perfect form and finesse, her knees dipped, power coming through her ankles, the ball was lofted up and seemingly hung in the air for an eternity. It came down eventually, the perfect arc, not touching a rim….. She had done it!!!!!
A goal with the biggest roar from across the court I have heard all season. Rubies looking puzzled from the ecstatic reaction. Sideline were leaping and I had to stop myself from running onto court! N MAHWING’s first competitive netball goal, something she had worked so hard for and completing the perfect season for the Sapphires meaning every single team player has got themselves a goal. MAHWING … smile from ear to ear but a swagger back to centre like ‘not sure what all the fuss was about’

The end of the game was a draw, a 2-4 defeat on handicap. It meant we would proceed into the knockout rounds but nobody cared. If you were to ask every player and supporter beforehand what they would choose, they would have chosen this conclusion every time. And that goes to again to show the journey these players have gone on and the amazing tight knit and bond this Sapphires team and supporters have.
Simply Perfect!

Just thank you.
A somber moment fell upon me once the excitement had settled once I arrived home, getting the kit bags out of the car. That was it! Even a little sad writing this as I type but it was meant to be, stars aligned and just a privilege to have undertaken this with great people, great kids and great parents. This is how it should be!

What memories and the girls have set themselves up to keep improving as players and know what it means to be part of a ‘team’… a real team in all senses of the word. We have all benefitted from this experience and all made some new friends along the way.

For the last time for ‘Sapphires’ ….. ‘GO TIGERS!’