Firsts Just Miss Out In Play-Offs!

First Team

12 May

Newquay Storm’s Stellar Season Culminates in Play-Off Heartbreak!

Newquay Storm's extraordinary debut season in the South West Regional League reached a thrilling, albeit heartbreaking, conclusion at the Regional League 2 Play-Offs in Bristol. The Cornish side, who had already surpassed all expectations by finishing as runners-up in Regional League 3 South, pushed for back-to-back promotions, ultimately missing out on a place in Regional League 2 by the narrowest of margins – just three goals.

The play-offs, held at the new Chellaram Sports Centre at Clifton College, brought together three teams vying for a single spot in the second tier of the South West regional structure. Newquay Storm, as runners-up of Regional League 3 South, faced Babylon, who finished third from bottom in Regional League 2, and Crossbow, the third-placed team from Regional League 3 North who stepped in for the unavailable Team Jets.

Ellie Blackman in action for Newquay Storm at the Regional 2 Play-Offs | Photo: Andrew Trenoweth

The format was a round-robin tournament, adding to the tension and excitement of a day that also featured the Regional League 3 entry tournaments – the very competition Newquay Storm had successfully navigated just twelve months prior.

The opening match saw Babylon defeat Crossbow 35-31, setting the stage for Newquay Storm's first test against the Regional League 2 side. In a fiercely contested battle, Newquay Storm demonstrated their quality and resilience, pushing Babylon throughout the four quarters. Despite a valiant effort, they ultimately fell short, with Babylon securing a 32-29 victory.

Aimee Thompson sets up an attack against Babylon | Photo: Andrew Trenoweth

Storm regrouped for their final match against Crossbow knowing that Babylon’s earlier defeat of Crossbow meant the game was effectively a dead rubber. Newquay Storm controlled the game, securing a 30-26 win over their Regional League 3 North counterparts.

Amelia Gard slots home another goal against Crossbow | Photo: Andrew Trenoweth

Final Standings:

Babylon (Retain place in Regional League 2)
Newquay Storm
Crossbow

While the immediate disappointment is palpable, it is crucial to view this play-off performance within the context of Newquay Storm's entire season. As Head Coach David White commented, "To finish runners-up in Regional League 3 South in our first season was a fantastic achievement. The play-offs were a brilliant experience, and while we're naturally disappointed to miss out on promotion by such a small margin, the players gave absolutely everything.

“We competed hard against a Regional League 2 side and showed we have the potential to play at that level. This season has been a massive step forward for the club, and we'll learn from this and come back even stronger next year."

Libby Evans in action against Crossbow | Photo Andrew Trenoweth

Newquay Storm's journey from securing regional league entry to challenging for promotion within a single season is a significant accomplishment. The team has proven its competitive spirit and potential, establishing a strong presence in the South West netball scene. While promotion wasn’t achieved on this occasion, the experience and progress made throughout the season provide a solid foundation for future success.

A big thank you must also go to the Trenance Learning Academy in Newquay for the loan of their minibus to allow the girls to travel together to the tournament. It made for a special day and undeniable team bonding on both journeys.