The Sheffield Netball League – Summer 2012 Season Review
04 Dec 2012
Champs are crowned Sheffield Netball Premiership champions for the fourth time in a row.
Premiership
In an enthralling climax to the season, the top two sides (Dynamix and Champs) went head to head in the final game of the season, separated by just five points. It was Champs who held the points and a slim goal difference advantage. Dynamix and Champs hold a staggering ten Premiership titles between them and this was arguably a clash between the two greatest two teams to have ever graced the Sheffield netball courts. In an incredible match Dynamix won 23-22 meaning the teams finished level on points. However, Champs were crowned Premiership champions thanks to a superior goal difference of just five! It was a superb end to the season and it means Champs are the first team to win four Premiership crowns in a row, making them true league legends. They will no doubt have their sights set on the all-time record of seven titles, held by Dynamix. However, this season proves teams are closing the gap on them and it sets up what should be a fascinating contest next season.
Champs - four time champions!
The player of the season award was won for the second season in a row by Dynamix’ s super star Lesley Athorn-Micro, with a record of six nomination’s. It is only the second time in Premiership history a player has won the award in consecutive seasons – a fantastic achievement.
Lesley Athorn-Mico - player of the season for the second season in a row!
Championship
The battle for the Championship title went right to the wire between Court Out and Bobcats. However, it was Court Out who held their nerve to be crowned champions by just three points. It was Bobcats title for the taking at one point, but a loss and a draw in the final two games cost them dear and it meant they had to settle for the runners up spot. It is worth noting that Court Out have bounced straight back to the Premiership after the disappointment of relegation last season. Plus this was Bobcats first season in the league, so to end it with promotion is a fantastic achievement. Court Out and Bobcats were the stand out teams this season and both secure well deserved promotions to the big time. The standard of the Championship is increasing each season and it one of the most exciting divisions to follow. A point proven by the fact that five teams went into the final games of the season staring relegation in the face. In the end it was The Shadows and the unlucky Hallam Hustlers that drop down to League One.
Court Out - Championship Winners
Bobcats - Championship Runners Up
The player of the season award was jointly won by Chloe Darker (Court Out), Sarah Dixon (Swoosh) and Linda Wood (Hallam Hustlers), with a fantastic season tally of seven nominations.
Chloe Darker - player of the season
League One
CBA stormed to the League One title and into the Championship with a sensational season long display. Led by captain, Sally Anderson, the team have now completed back to back promotions and have achieved them in some style. In the two seasons CBA have been competing in the league, they have lost just one game out of twenty eight! An impressive record and one that suggest they may not be finished yet, as they look to make a big impact on the Championship next season.
CBA - back to back promotions
The runners spot and final promotion place went to Handsworth Miss Fits, who edged out the unlucky Ball Saints by just three points. It is the second season in a row Ball Saints have finished third and they will feel that next season they can break into the top two spots. Handsworth Miss Fits promotion was done the hard way, after they incredibly lost their first four games of the season! However, a sensational second half of the season saw them storm up the table and into the Championship.
Handsworth Miss Fits - Runners Up
The player of the season award was some consolation for Maverick’s, who finished just four points off promotion - star player Katy Waldon won the award with a record of seven nominations.
Katy Waldon - player of the season
League Two
DMG completed another superb season, which saw them make it two title victories in a row. Led by captain, Laurelle Grayson, the team have lost just once in the twenty nine games they have played in the league. A record which League One teams will no doubt have taken notice of ahead of the new season. DMG look well equipped to cope with the challenges that face them next season and who would bet against them making in three promotions in a row – a feat no team has ever achieved.
DMG were pushed all the way by runners up The Individuals, who played some great netball this season. Led by captain, Heather Roberts, The Individuals lost just one game and in any other season would be celebrating a title victory. However, this season they had to settle for second place on goal difference. Promotion is well deserved for the team and we are confident they have the skills and team spirit to cope with challenges ahead of them next season
The Indivduals - Runners Up
The player of the season award was won for the second season in a row by DLA Divas captain Kirstie Courtney-May, with an amazing ten nominations. This is the second highest tally of all time in any division! It is some consolation for DLA Divas, who have become the first team to be relegated three times in a row. However, we are confident they will be able turn their fortunes round next season.
Kirstie Courtney-May - player of the season
League Three
Dome Diamonds storm to the League Three title and into League Two, with a sensational first season in the league. The team led by captain, Emma Wood, did not put a foot wrong as they won all fourteen games and clinched the title fifthteen points clear of their nearest rival. It was an emphatic season long display that make them well deserved champions. It is a big step to League Two, however, on this evidence Dome Diamonds have nothing to fear next season, as they look to take the division by storm.
Dome Diamonds - champions
Greystones, held off promotion rivals DR Systems, to secure the final promotion place by just two points. It was a fantastic achievement for the team, who were also playing their first season in the league. They look like the real deal and will be looking forward to whatever League Two throws at them next season.
Greystones - runners up
The player of the season award capped a great season for Dome Diamonds, as star player Becki Quigley, won the award with a record of seven nominations.
Becki Quigley - player of the season
Congratulations to everyone that played in the league last season and the very best of luck to all teams in the new season.
