Hulme pupil a true all-rounder

HARRIET GIL: represented England at rounders and a member of the Oldham netball squad.

HISTORY-MAKER Harriet Gill has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award in the sports performer category.

The 15-year-old became the first Hulme Grammar pupil to enter the Great Britain rounders squad.

She joined up with the under-18s at their training camp in Sheffield after a string of eye-catching performances for her school and then England under-16s.

A Jack of all trades, Harriet is also a talented netball player for Hulme, and has become a regular for Oldham in the Northern League.

She started off as part of the under-14s team which memorably won the English National Clubs’ Championships, a round-robin style competition at the Netball Centre in Loughborough which pits the best teams in the UK against each other.

Harriet and co saw off Essex side Star 21-12 and Poole 21-17 to lift the trophy.

Her game went from strength-to-strength under the guidance of coach Mike Greenwood, who has helped develop youngsters’ potential during his 25 years at the club.

One of the highlights of her season came in the 67-22 victory at Northumbria outfit Grangetown, who had previously been unbeaten at home all season.

Harriet excelled at centre and after the game the speed she demonstrated alongside team-mate Charlotte Preston was pinpointed as one of the driving forces behind their comprehensive win.

Jo Knighton, head of PE at Hulme Grammar, said: “Harriet Gill has been a great ambassador for sport throughout her school career at Hulme.

“All her time and effort was justly rewarded by her selection for the England rounders team and her under-16s national schools netball success last year.

“Harriet is a true professional in her approach and attitude to sport. We are very proud of all her achievements at Hulme on and off the sports field.”