East Preston Junior School

High‑5 Netball Friendly Showcases Skill, Energy and Sportsmanship

On Thursday 22nd January, our pupils made history by taking part in the first-ever High‑5 Netball fixture against Rustington Community Primary School (a school within our trust)—and what a landmark occasion it proved to be. Facing another school from the trust in a friendly but fiercely contested match, the event set an outstanding standard for future inter‑academy competition and collaboration.

The match was played using the High‑5 Netball format, a dynamic and inclusive version of the game designed to develop all‑round netballers. One of the key features of the format is positional rotation: across the four quarters, every player had the opportunity to experience a different role on court. From centre‑court distribution to attacking movement and defensive marking, each position demanded a unique skill set and tactical understanding. This ensured that all players contributed in multiple phases of play and gained a deeper appreciation of the game’s structure.

From the opening whistle, our team demonstrated exceptional energy levels and an unwavering work rate. Their commitment to ball retention and turnover pressure was clear—no single ball was conceded without a fight. Defensive players applied relentless pressure, attackers worked tirelessly to create space, and the centre‑court players transitioned the ball with increasing efficiency as the game progressed.

As confidence grew quarter by quarter, so too did the quality of play. Passes became sharper, faster and more accurate, moving seamlessly down the court in passages of play that were a joy to watch. The team’s spatial awareness and decision‑making improved noticeably, turning possession into genuine scoring opportunities and building momentum throughout the match.

In addition to the technical and physical performance, it was truly admirable to witness the sportsmanship on display from both teams. Encouragement, respect for officials, and positive interactions between players highlighted the values at the heart of school sport and made the fixture a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

After an incredibly close and competitive contest, our team secured a thrilling 3–2 victory—a deserved reward for their perseverance, teamwork and tactical growth. More importantly, the fixture marked the beginning of what promises to be a lasting and exciting High‑5 Netball tradition within our academy trust.