On Tuesday 23^rd February 26 Amesbury girls made an exciting trip up to the 02 Arena in London to see the final match in the series between Australia (World Ranked Number One) and England (Number Three).  England and Australia were one match apiece, so this match was to be the exciting decider!

The girls were overflowing with excitement and with painted flags on their faces and frantically waving their English flags; they were ready to patriotically lend their support.  Having enjoyed lunch in ASK, Haslemere, the girls boarded the coach to London and the Dome.  First stop was the Merchandise tent where they kitted themselves out with foam fingers and England Afro’s!

The girls cheered on their favourite players from our incredible courtside seats where we had an uninterrupted view of the game.  The match didn’t disappoint and was exciting from the very first whistle.  Even though Australia were the favourites, England took an early lead and seemed to be motivated by the thousands of screaming fans.  By the end of the first half, England were sitting with a very impressive lead of 23 – 17 and Australia seemed worried.  The game soon closed up and by the final quarter England were only leading by 3 goals.  The girls did not stop screaming throughout the game and erupted every time England scored.  Unfortunately a few silly errors in England’s defence gave Australia the opportunity they needed to creep back and by the final whistle they had pipped us to the title with a two goal lead.  The final score was a disappointing 43 – 45 to Australia.  The girls were devastated by the result but had not been disappointed by the top-class netball and sheer speed and skill involved in the game.

The coach journey home was decidedly quieter, the girls being shattered from their long evening of cheering for England and by the time we pulled into the Amesbury car park most of the girls were sound asleep!