Two out of its three teams in the Scottish Gold Finals came back with titles.

They were recognised by the sport’s governing body and they rounded off a monumental seven days by picking up a couple of trophies at the Tweeddale Sports Awards...

Peebles HS Seniors 51 Arbroath HS Seniors 47 Peebles HS S1 27 Royal HS S1 21 Peebles HS S2 16 Strathaven HS S2 25 PEEBLES Netball celebrated a monumental week in which its school teams reached the gold finals of the Scottish Schools’ Cup in three of the four age groups and came away with two Scottish Schools’ titles. Netball Scotland recognised the outstanding achievement of Peebles High School netball in their finals’ day programme, stating: “Netball Scotland would like to make a special mention of Peebles High School from the Scottish Borders. Again this year, Peebles have secured a place in not just one of our finals, but three GOLD finals.

“This is no mean feat, and huge congratulations must go to the players and coaching staff involved at Peebles High School for this achievement. Well done!” The gold finals took place on Wednesday with the S1–S3 finals staged at Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Motherwell, and the senior final at Glasgow’s Emirates Stadium as a precursor to the Scottish Thistles international game against Trinidad and Tobago. The different venues presented a logistical challenge for Peebles to move three squads and supporters across different west of Scotland venues within one day.

Peebles S1s were on first at Ravenscraig resulting in a 7.30am start from their school to arrive in time for warm up. However, the early start appeared to suit the Borderers who produced the performance of the year to lead their final from start to finish. Up by 9 goals to 5 by quarter time, they were pressurised by Royal High throughout, holding on to a 14 goals to 9 half time score which was continually threatened. Into the second half and solid shooting helped Peebles’ cause, but an overall superb team effort presented the youngsters with their well deserved, first national title.

Peebles S2s faced South Lanarkshire’s Strathaven High School in their final. The two teams had met last season when, in a nip and tuck game, Peebles snatched the victory in the quarter final of the schools’ cup. This year the tables were turned, and despite the teams being evenly matched in their cross court play, and only four goals in it at half time, Peebles had difficulty finishing their numerous attacking opportunities, with their shooters struggling to get free against tight Strathaven defence. Despite Peebles S2s’ disappointment with the final outcome, their silver medals in the schools’ gold section provided consolation, and the reward for a year of tremendous performances. A change of venue for the blue riband event saw Peebles under immense pressure to defend their senior schools’ title in the international arena of the Emirates stadium. Whilst vocal supporters (including head teacher Campbell Wilson) from Peebles and Arbroath tried to outdo each other in the bleachers, on court the top two schools’ teams in Scotland went head to head in one of the closest senior schools’ match witnessed in years.

Within the opening minutes it was clear that Arbroath was not to be intimidated by the presence of two Scotland U19 players in the Peebles line-up. Goals went with centre pass, with Peebles managing one break, to create a slight lead of 14 goals to 12 after 15 minutes. A change of attacking line-up for Peebles, bringing starting goal shooter Susanne Krabbendam out into wing attack, to work with Neve Mclean in centre was unusual for Peebles, but created more effective lines into the new shooting duo of Jenny Hudson (GA) and Nikki Pettitt (GS). The tactic worked, with the scoreline a healthier 27 goals to 21 in Peebles favour by half time.

The second half of the match saw both teams on top form, with some breathtaking moves from both, and the goal difference varying between nil to nine at different times. Captain Hannah MacDonald in goal defence did a magnificent job minimising the Arbroath’s goal attack’s chances on goal, with Lauren Tait in goal keeper maintaining her composure despite the frequent umpiring decisions against her use of her long reach over the Arbroath’s goal shoot. With one quarter to go, the result was by no means certain with Peebles in the lead by only six goals, at 39 to 33.

The return to the court of Mhairi Jackson in wing defence to replace the tired legs of Anna Miller provided a much needed injection of energy around mid-court, which helped Peebles to stay largely in control. However, as the minutes seemingly dragged by, Arbroath had many chances to close the gap which they did repeatedly. Into the final few minutes and an upset for Peebles was still a possibility. A final flurry of goals from Arbroath looked very dangerous, but just as Peebles supporters appeared to have won the battle of the bleachers, counting down the seconds in the final stage, Peebles senior team were all smiles as the final whistle blew, signalling a magnificent victory for the second year in succession, and confirmation of their status as top school team in Scotland.

This is the second time in the club’s history that three of its school teams have reached gold finals in one year. This happened previously in 2011 when its S1, S2 and S3 teams reached the finals, on that occasion returning with the S3 title. Since 2006 Peebles Netball has won eight Scottish Schools’ gold titles, three at S1 age group, one S2 title, two S3 titles and two senior titles. Peebles High School has been represented at every Scottish Schools’ final since the club’s inception.

The school teams are coached by Linda Nicholson. Team managers are Lynn Hudson (senior team); Kirsty Davidson (S3); Jackie Davis (S2); and Lisa Scrimger (S1). The club fundraises to cover most of the costs, and has received funding this year also from Caldwell’s Homemade Ice cream, Scotland Gas Networks and Peebles High School.

S1: Sophie Walpole (Capt), Jess Wodehouse (Vice Capt), Lily Carvalho, Lucy Gray, Anna McGorum, Eilidh Naysmith, Kirsten Rodwell, Abbey Scrimger, Rianna Sterricks.

S2: Kazya Stevens (Capt), Bryony Patterson (Vice Capt), Eilidh Cannon, Kimberley Davis, Ailsa Innes, Katie Mcleod, Scarlett Reid, Sophie Peterson, Jemma Willins.

Senior: Hannah MacDonald (Capt), Jenny Hudson (Vice Capt), Gemma Gass, Mhairi Jackson, Ellen Jardine, Susanne Krabbendam, Neve Mclean, Anna Miller, Nikki Pettitt, Lauren Tait.