The ball has officially rolled into Gordon’s netball courts this week as the exceptional team begin their preparation for the upcoming ISL Super League Final on Wednesday, 21st January 2026!
Winning an outstanding five out of seven matches during the Leg 2 stage of the tournament, the girls have earned a place at the final playoff between the top four placing schools. Raring and ready to go, these netballers will be bringing only their A game to the day for the chance to claim glory for Gordon’s.
Building up on the final day before the big event, the competition is already getting fiercer and fiercer. With Gordon’s preparing to fight against Millfield School, Berkhamsted and Solihull, a title race where the stakes couldn’t possibly be higher sounds like just the thing for the underdogs of the tournament.
NextGenX, organisers of the ISL Netball League, certainly seem to agree. “Gordon’s are not to be underestimated, however… looking fresh and nimble and proving themselves a force to be reckoned with,” they commented during a statement on Monday.
The Quarterly Gazette team had an exclusive interview with Elissia, Scarlett and Jess, three of the players taking part. Here’s what they had to say:
Q: After successfully making it into the final playoffs, how are you and your team feeling now? Any last final preparations before tomorrow?
Scarlett: I think we’re all really, really excited, and everybody’s put so much effort into training. It’ll definitely be fun.
Elissia: Yeah, it’s certainly a great opportunity for us. As for what we’re doing specifically, we are going against Millfield School in the semi-finals… so we’re mainly watching previous games we’ve done with them, really honing in on every little detail- especially as they’ve got a very strong wing attack / goal attack connection in general.
Jess: We’re all really excited for the ISL Super League finals tomorrow; we’ve worked very hard in training and we’re ready to put our best foot forward against tough opposition!
Q: Reflecting on past experiences from November’s tournament, what have you taken away from it that you’ll be focusing on through the upcoming matches? Any game strategies you’ll be relying on?
Elissia: I think we’ve learned keeping calm is definitely a key thing. Sometimes we do tend to panic, and I think we’ve definitely learned since our beginning. If you were to compare our first matches from the very first tournament to how we’re playing now, we’re progressing so well! We’ve never actually had a team for ISL yet, so this is a wonderful first.
Jess: Yes, and it’ll be a good test for us mid-season ahead of a very busy few months, where we hope to further carry our success forward.
Scarlett: We also need to start off strong throughout our whole matches! I think if we carry on through the whole of every game, keeping our energy and pace we should be able to outplay the other teams.
Q: Finally, what does it feel like leading the school team in such distinguished competitions? And the all important question- what advice would you offer to aspiring netball players looking to follow in your footsteps?
Scarlett: I’d say being really, really dedicated in every training session, always putting 100% effort in. Effort is so important, and I think it’s really just keeping that focus all the time that makes you such a good player.
Elissia: Some people think leadership is all about being in charge, but it’s honestly completely different for me. As captain, you have to work with people, helping the team along, so I would say try your best to be the best motivator of the team! For example, if we had a big loss, I’ll shove on the speaker, play some great music we all love, and try to get everybody in the mood. It always has to be a team effort.
With the final in Worcester only one day away, it will truly be a captivating experience – a all or nothing fight from Gordon’s to seize the 2026 crown once and for all. Alongside the rest of the school, we at The Quarterly Gazette are eagerly looking forward to cheer on the netballers to a bold and beautiful win.
Daniella