Staff Writer Jennifer Hensey writes about the 2026 Netball Varsity game.
KCL pushed UCL to a dramatic extra-time finish in an electric Varsity atmosphere, but ultimately fell at the final hurdle, with fatigue and UCL’s squad depth proving decisive.
The sixth day of Varsity peaked with an intense netball clash between King’s College London and University College London, as UCL secured a 54-51 victory after extra time. Despite a last-second equalising goal from KCL to force the game beyond full-time, the Reds struggled to maintain their energy, with a lack of substitutions allowing UCL to take advantage in the closing minutes.
Nonetheless, the court was swarming with energy, driven by relentless chants and unwavering support from the crowd, which carried KCL through to the final whistle.
In a pre-match statement, KCL captain, Yasmine Abbad, revealed that the team felt confident and united going into the game despite some injury setbacks. They felt motivated to “bring hellfire as the underdogs, showing UCL that playing us will not be an easy game,” making their performance even more impressive given the circumstances and recent Varsity history.
KCL started the game strong, leading early with 13-10 on the scoreboard after the first quarter and maintained their lead through accurate shooting, reaching 23-22 at half time.
However, momentum began to shift in the third quarter as KCL struggled to make use of their turnovers, whilst UCL capitalised on their own. Fatigue meant more frequent UCL interceptions and more KCL footwork infringements, costing them valuable goals. Though KCL scored the final goal, the quarter ended with 36-34 and growing UCL optimism.
The final quarter was pulsating with tension as the margins repeatedly narrowed and widened. The goal gap closed to 1, only to widen to 4 mid-match before narrowing again in the final minutes. With under a minute on the board and a 1 goal gap, KCL win the ball in UCL’s third, leading the entirety of the KCL crowd to rise to their feet in sheer anticipation and excitement. After driving the ball up court, KCL Goal Shooter, Georgia Goddard, scored the equalising goal with 2 seconds left on the board at 46 all. The crowd erupted – screaming, jumping and roaring as adrenaline surged through the stands.
Varsity spirit was at its height for this game, with packed stands of supporters covered in red army face paint and KCL colours and fleeces. The turnout was immense and diverse, with “bleed red” and “who are ya” chants echoing against the walls, aimed at the opposing fans – rivalry tension was at an all-time high.
Although extra time started with a determined display from both sides, UCL ultimately had more to give with fresher legs on the court, ultimately securing a 54-51 lead by the final whistle. The game ultimately tested endurance over skill and KCL were disadvantaged on that front.
Post-match, KCL Captain Abbad shared that she felt proud regardless of the outcome:
“It was unreal. Last year was a crazy loss for us as we lost by maybe 50 goals. So, to be up at one point, drawing and then pushing to overtime felt insane for us. The last-second goal made us so chuffed. Everyone loves a buzzer beater, and the crowd reaction really kept us going. The crowd has been unreal, we had a mental turnout, and honestly, I’m so happy with it.”
Though KCL came close to ending UCL’s Varsity dominance, the match didn’t feel like defeat, but a moment of progress, pride and immense support. KCL are no longer the underdogs, but proved themselves real competitors, achieving their initial goal in Abbad’s pre-match statement. Their strong performance was honoured by the crowd, still cheering and applauding even after the full-time whistle, marking a successful match regardless of the result.
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