WOODHOUSE Grove School have rounded off a superb season by netting a national title.

Based in Apperley Bridge, the school is known for being a centre of excellence for netball, and it can now boast nationwide success after its first team won the National Plate Final of the Smile Independent Schools National Netball Cup.

The nail-biting final saw Woodhouse Grove take on Royal Russell School of Croydon on home turf in front of an excited crowd. The Grove emerged victorious after a hard-fought, high-scoring game with a final score of 49-43.

The team’s journey to the final involved games against Ampleforth and Withington Girls’ followed by a quarter-final against St. Albans High and a resounding 61-37 win in the semi-final against St. John’s of Leatherhead.

Georgie Thompson, Head of Netball and first-team netball coach said: "I couldn’t be prouder of this group of girls. They have been pushed and challenged throughout the whole season and their final response was a true reflection of their character and determination.

"Although this was the peak of our season, the girls’ commitment has been commendable for the full duration.

"The final was a well-fought contest between the two sides, with Royal Russell taking it all the way to the wire – our girls kept their heads and managed to push away in the final few minutes.

"It was great to have so many supporters and for them to see just how physical the game is. I have enjoyed every minute working with this team."

The season has been a hugely successful one for netball across all age groups at Woodhouse Grove.

The Under-14s placed in the top 10 in the country at the National Schools Finals while the Under-12s have qualified for the Yorkshire School Games in May.

James Lockwood, Headmaster, said: "The entire Grove community is immensely proud of each and every one of the girls in the netball first team.

"They showed true Grovian grit and determination against very capable opponents. It is wonderful to see how the younger age groups have been inspired.

"The Grove has always had a strong netball heritage and we are lucky to have longstanding, experienced coaches who are truly dedicated to bringing out the best in all our netballers – whatever their experience and ability. The results speak for themselves."