They took down Riccarton High School at Pioneer Stadium to claim the title. But Roberts said her main aim this season was to rebuild the squad with five of her 10-strong squad new to the competition.
“We only have four senior players this year, so we looked at it as a development year. But I thought about five games in that these girls are listening and asking questions then putting it out on court.
“Our shooting stats are always quite high and we are lucky that my seniors are sprinkled out throughout the court,” said Roberts.
At 15-15 with one quarter to go in the final, Ellesmere produced a dominant final quarter to win the competition for the first time.
“I asked at the final break if they wanted it and they said they did and that they were going to look after the ball and work hard for each other, and that’s what happened.”
Ellesmere then scored nine goals in the final quarter to pull away.
Their next focus will be to try and remain in the top grade of the South Island secondary schools netball competition next month.
“It’s the first time in more than a decade to not be in the B grade so the aim is to stay there. I have absolute confidence in this team that they will maintain their place and my aim is to motivate the younger ones coming through for next year.”
