This was a much awaited semi-final, bringing together two of the strongest junior club squads in Scotland, with Broomhill coached by Scotland international player, Claire Brownie and boasting several U17 national squad and west squad players.

The match was also significant in being the first time Peebles Netball has been able to host at Peebles High School on the new games hall court, the previous court being under regulation size.

Despite the court being new, Peebles looked remarkably at home. They settled quickly into a superb flow, with ferocious passes and sound catching taking Broomhill by surprise. One hundred percent accuracy on goal by captain Susanne Krabbendam contributed also to the convincing scoreline of 14 goals to 8 in Peebles favour by the first break. Into the second quarter and Broomhill found more of their rhythm, displaying skilled set moves, and producing strong defence around the Peebles shooters, making it difficult for Peebles to get clear shots at goal. However, by half time Peebles had maintained a lead of 26 goals to 17.

The third quarter was Broomhill’s. They were athletic, persistent and dominant, restricting Peebles goal tally to 7 compared with their 11. Going into the final stage, with 15 minutes still on the clock, it was anyone’s game. In the end, it was Peebles who looked fittest and who produced the most coherent teamwork. Peebles once again gained the upper hand, with supporters counting off the seconds to the final whistle and a tremendous victory for the Borderers. Finals day on May 11 will see Peebles take on either Orkney or South Lanarkshire’s Avon.

Peebles: Susanne Krabbendam (Capt) (GS), Nikki Pettitt (Vice Capt) (GA), Neve Mclean (WA), Alana Craigmile (C), Anna Miller (WD), Niamh Cannon (GD), Mhairi Jackson (GK), Mhair Davidson (Sub).

WITH Peebles having unprecedented success in the Scottish Schools’ Cup this season, and its S1 and Senior team already through to the finals in the gold section, the pressure was on the S2 team to make it a treble in its home tie against Arbroath.

Peebles has had mixed fortunes against Arbroath over the years, with Arbroath producing consistently high performance squads known for their strong shooting and determined play. Many a schools’ final has featured both teams pitted against each other, so meeting in the semi-final this year was not what either team wanted.

However, on this occasion, Peebles took the upper hand from the first few minutes and held onto this early lead throughout. Home supporters held their breath as Arbroath produced an excellent final quarter or play, narrowing the lead by 4 goals, but Peebles had already done enough to maintain their position, and were thrilled to run out victors thereby booking their place alongside their clubmates at finals’ day.

Peebles: Kazya Stevens (Capt) (WA), Bryony Patterson (Vice Capt) (GD), Eilidh Cannon (GS), Kim Davis (GA), Sophie Peterson (C/WA), Scarlett Reid (WA), Ailsa Innes (WD), Jemma Willins (GK).

PEEBLES S3s were unlucky to be placed in the silver section of the Schools’ Cup on account of losing one match in the opening rounds to Edinburgh’s St George’s, who look likely winners of this year’s S3 championship. However, this made Peebles S3s strong contenders for the Silver Cup, and they progressed smoothly through subsequent rounds, reaching semi-final stage. Misfortune again prevailed, with a series of illnesses and injuries in the squad, leaving them weakened going into the semi-final. They almost pulled it off, trailing 18 goals to 28 going into the final 12 minutes, and playing outstandingly to narrow the deficit to only one with a couple of minutes to go. However a string of unforced errors by Peebles in the closing moments closed down their opportunity, with Robert Gordon’s delighted to secure their win.

Peebles: Maddie Docherty (Capt) (C), Mhairi Davidson (Vice Capt) (GK), Dawn MacLean (GS), Amy McTeir (GA), Alice McBride (WA), Brogan Lamb (WA/C), Charlotte Hope (C/WD), Rachel Forsyth (GD), Adele Tait (injured). PEEBLES Netball had won four of its five semi-finals played in one week, and this was the sixth one, played once again on the superb new court at Peebles High School. The pressure showed on the young Peebles players, facing national semi-finals for the very first time. However, having already won their Schools’ Cup semi-final earlier in the week, they knew that their nerves would settle as play got under way.

A very shaky start by Peebles saw them tied with the Wildcats with five goals apiece by quarter time. Reassurances from the coach and a few position changes made a difference in the second 10 minutes, with Peebles getting into its stride, speeding up the flow, and accumulating another 12 goals to its opposition’s nil. The second half of the match was a demonstration of what this young team has to offer in the future, with all three shooters on the day producing classic Peebles moves around the goal, and West Linton’s Kirsten Rodwell in particular, achieving another high shooting accuracy rate of 75 per cent. Another West Lintoner, Sophie Walpole, also thrilled supporters with some deft interceptions, and although Peebles Lilly Carvalho attracted the umpires whistle repeatedly for contacting in her tight, defensive marking, she kept her composure, and maintained her strong defensive moves throughout. Peebles U13s will join their U17 teammates on finals’ day on May 11 when they will play Broomhill U13s.

Peebles: Scarlett Reid (Capt) (C/WA), Abbey Scrimger (GS/GA), Kirsten Rodwell (GA/GS), Rhianna Sterricks (GA/WA), Anna McGorum (C/WD), Lucy Gray (WA/C) Lilly Carvalho (WD), Sophie Walpole (GD), Jess Wodehouse (GK).