A LEYLAND netball star is enjoying a well-earned holiday after a successful season on the court.
Emma Dovey, 18, is away lapping up the sun in Marbella after scooping numerous honours internationally and domestically.
The Northern Thunder star played regularly for the Super League netball giants this season and was rewarded with a place in th
e England U19 squad.
Dad Chris Dovey said: “We are very happy with Emma’s progress, but it is all down to the hard work she puts in during the year.
“She played a lot of netball over the past 12 months and there were some days she would train during the day at Cardinal Newman and play a match then train with Northern Thunder at night.
“She was part of a 12-woman squad taking part in the European championships in Glasgow at the end of April.
“Emma played in all but one-quarter of the three matches and that could have had something to do with her fitness levels being high.
“Every week she is lining up against older and more experienced players in the Super League.
“That could have worked in her advantage as most of the other members in the U19 squad were only involved in the under age levels at the same clubs.”
Dovey helped the England side to a 46-35 win over Northern Ireland, a 36-31 victory over Wales and maintained their 100% record with a 56-22 win over Scotland.
The talented centre also helped Cardinal Newman College to retain their British Colleges title.
Dovey is also looking forward to taking her place at St Martin’s College in September, where she will be doing a PE teaching course.
But before, then she will be at trials again for next season’s England U19 but is keen to play for the England U21s in future.
