Next stop the nationals for Saddleworth

NATIONALS BOUND . . . India Butler (back row, left), Jasmine Newell, Antonia Lloyd, Lily Moss, Erin Bell, Paige Gardner, India Collinge. Kate Gardner (front row, left), Lydia Keane, Morgan Evans (captain) and Georgia Butler.

NETBALL:

AFTER clinching the under-14s North-West Schools crown, Saddleworth are turning their attention to national honours.

The youngsters boasted an unbeaten record in the tournament at Wirral Grammar School and now join Hulme Grammar under-16s in the finals in Basildon, Essex, next month.

Coming though their group unscathed, Saddleworth defeated Ribblesdale 11-6 in the last four to set up a clash with Altrincham.

And the girls held their nerve against the competition favourites to record a nail-biting 11-9 victory in the final.

Saddleworth PE teacher Laura Blezard, who accompanied the girls on the trip, was delighted with their performance.

She said: “The girls played out of their skin in the tournament. I’m so proud of them all.

“Having the opportunity to play in the national finals is a testament to their hard work. There is nothing to stop them going all the way and winning that as well.”