Wales Netball – Ann Smart Trophy & President Cup 2025

On Saturday 15^th March Wales Netball hosted the National Schools competitions, Ann Smart Trophy (U16) & President Cup (U19) and what a show it was.

An incredible display of talent from the get-go saw a tie of points for Group A in the Ann Smart Trophy with 1^st and 2^nd place on 11 and 3^rd and 4^th on 7, meaning the positions were placed based on Goal Average. Monmouth School for Girls positioned in 1^st, Brynrefail 2^nd, Bishopston 3^rd and Bro Myrddin 4^th. Group B was dominated by a strong Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni with 2 wins and 1 draw followed by Corpus Christi in 2^nd, Castell Alun in 3^rd and Welshpool in 4^th.

The President Cup being played alongside was demonstrating a wealth of mature talent, with reigning champions Gower College winning Pool A and Coleg Y Cymoedd matching their dominance in Pool B. Maes Y Gwendraeth in 2^nd, Brynrefail 3^rd and Christ College Brecon 4^th for Pool A. Cardiff High School 2^nd and Coleg Gwent 3^rd for Pool B.

Into the quarter and semi-finals saw a strong display of talent in both competitions, with some hard-fought games and incredible aptitude.

A great contest saw Cardiff High School and Maes Y Gwendraeth into the 3^rd and 4^th placing for the President Cup, a tight 3 goal difference saw Maes Y Gwendraeth take 3^rd place 15-12. Castell Alun taking 3^rd and Bishopston 4^th for the Ann Smart Trophy, with both leading a great contest through the semi-finals.

After dominating the day we saw two head-to-head finals for Gower College versus Coleg Y Cymoedd for the President Cup and Monmouth School for Girls versus Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni for the Ann Smart Trophy.

A masterclass by Coleg Y Cymoedd showcased a stellar winning performance by all involved, with Gower College competing to hold onto the trophy Coleg Y Cymoedd had to pull out all the stops. Superior shooting and outstanding intercepts saw Coleg Y Cymoedd come out on top and claim the 2025 President Cup.

On the other court saw a showdown between South East and Glamorgan Valleys sides between Monmouth School for Girls and Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni. Both teams left everything out on court in a bid for glory, a battle to the end saw us go into extra time. When extra time comes composure is needed, the U16 sides showed incredible calmness in a heightened environment. At the end of extra time saw Monmouth School for Girls finish victorious , pressure from their defence and accuracy on the shot ended the game 16-14.

Across both competitions there were numerous standout performances, with impressive sportswomanship on and off court by two incredible individuals. In the U16 category our Most Valuable player was Phoebe Knight from Castell Alun, a 14 year old who stepped into multiple positions throughout the day. Her steady hand and control in Castell Alun’s Semi Final displayed talent above her years.

Our President Cup Most Valuable Player was claimed by Ruby Shorney, from Coleg Y Cymoedd, for her outstanding influence in the midcourt. A composed sportwoman, lifting her side all the way through the final showcasing flair, technique and pure talent.

Takethatphoto would like to thank everyone for their participation in the photography taken at the event. The link for all photos will be shared with coaches and team managers, please request these from your school if you want to purchase online.

A huge thank you to the players, coaches, and umpires for a fantastic day of competition. We couldn’t have run a smooth event without our support staff, volunteers and the venue staff at Pembrokeshire Sports Village.