THE outstanding Bradford Grammar School under-16 girls’ netball team have made it through to the National Schools’ finals.

They will represent Yorkshire and Humberside in the last 16 on Saturday, March 14 at Whitby High School, Ellesmere Port.

Under-16 schools’ coach Georgina Jones said: “I am extremely proud of the whole squad. They have been rewarded for their commitment and work ethic in training.

“At regional level, there are no easy games and they battled hard throughout the day to stay in contention to qualify for the finals.

“When it came down to a must-win game against Aston College, our girls really turned on the style, starving their tall, physical attack of any possession and converting defence into attack with ease, leading to a 15-5 win.

“Reaching the national finals is a real achievement, and I am confident that the players will go there and represent our region well.”

Qualification from area or county level also took place at under-14 and under-19 level, with the county event being hosted by Bradford Grammar School, with 12 schools bidding to reach the regional finals.

The under-14s also progressed to the regional finals at Wickersley School, near Rotherham, where 23 schools competed.

They were unlucky to lose out on a place in the national finals, with the school’s director of netball Caroline Taylor saying: “While the under-14s were unsuccessful, they have made huge progress.

“However, the under-16s had outstanding performances as a squad and individually. Tamara Smith flourished in defence, turning over possession of the ball time and time again.

“There was exceptional shooting from Pascale Fisher and Rebecca Ashurst, and it was great to see Phoebe Ogden make a huge impact.”