Kimbolton girls get their chance at Loughborough

TWO of Kimbolton School’s top netball players, Danni Belbin and Bliss Laurence, have been invited to attend trials for the Loughborough Lightning talent squad.

The squad plays in the National Talent League and provides an important stepping-stone towards national and international netball.

Both girls were spotted at the recent Bedford Modern School Pre-Season Tournament, which was won by Kimbolton School, before being formally scouted at last weekend’s match against Oundle School.

Laurence, 17 and a goal attack, has played club, county and regional netball previously – but centre Belbin, who is 18, has only ever trained and played at Kimbolton School. Both have now been invited for trials to join the Loughborough squad for weekly training and matches.

Head of girls’ games, Emma Lawless, said: “It’s good to see such talent recognised. For two of our players to be scouted at the same time is a testament to the standard of netball at our school.

“That they have both been selected will be a real inspiration for some of our younger girls who are working hard to improve their skills and tactics.”

Laurence said: “I am both thrilled and shocked to have been spotted, especially as I haven’t played in the last nine months. I have been playing since the age of seven and never thought I would get to this stage.

“I have watched Loughborough Lightning’s matches on television for many years so the thought of possibly playing for them is a dream come true.”