Brilliant Hulme show they are four-midable

WELL DONE, GIRLS . . . Hulme Grammar's under-16s netball team are national schools' champions

HULME'S talented netball team have been crowned national schools' champions for the fourth consecutive - this time at under-16s level.

Having previously won the prestigious title at under-13, 14 and 15 level - as well as numerous other local and county titles - Hulme triumphed again, this time at the finals tournament staged at the Stanborough School in Welwyn Garden City.

Having progressed through local and regional qualifying, Hulme started the national finals rather slowly with a 10-9 win over Higham Lane School.

The rest of the morning went well with a win against King Edwards Bath and a draw with Quinton House.

They won their next two matches - 10-0 against Hurstpierpoint College and 18-5 against Newcastle High School.

RIVALS

Hulme were to face big rivals GSAL next, and the local team triumphed 10-7 in a close game.

After dramatically seeing off Millfield School after extra-time in the semi-finals, Hulme were to meet Tonbridge Grammar School in the final, the only school that they had lost to all day when going down 14-7 in their final group stage fixture.

Hulme were 4-0 up after three minutes and at half time were leading 7-1.

Tonbridge came back at Hulme in the second half by sending long balls into their shooter, but the Hulme defence soon stood form and with outstanding displays from the shooters, it finished 11-6 to the triumphant Oldham team.

Debbie Chapman, Hulme PE teacher/netball coach, said: "These girls gelled as a team from Year Seven and Eight and went from strength to strength.

"They have been an outstanding, inspirational team and have been an absolute pleasure to coach. They are a credit to the school."

Squad -

Hannah Cusack, Abbey Rogers, Ellie Clinch, Mia Robinson, Megan Kelly, Eleyna Flitcroft, Georgia Perry, Alicia Scholes.