HISTORY beckons for the netball supernovas of York's Joseph Rowntree School.
For the first time the school has representatives at all three levels - Under-14s, U16s and U19s - in the national finals in March.
The spring date with destiny was secured by a dazzling day in the Yorkshire and Humberside finals at Sheffield's Tapton School.
Enthused Jo-Ro's Trish Farrow: "We've had teams in the national finals before but never all three. We're all absolutely delighted."
Both the U14s and U16s topped their respective groups with each remaining ndefeated.
Excellent interceptional centre court play from Claire Montgomery and Rachael McPherson proved crucial for the U14s, whose shooters - Jenna Howlett and Anne Roberts - aimed accurately from all areas. Player of the tournament Jenny Welsh was consistently outstanding in all areas on the court.
National finalists two years ago, the U16s were determined to do it again. And with their U14s, they were the only two teams out of the 24 teams to remain undefeated all day. Hannah Ellington and Alice Lawrenson were voted players of the tournament by team-mates.
The experienced U19s fought back from two set-backs to claw their way into the National finals, which will be held at the Redbridge Sports Centre in Essex on March 6. Player of the tournament was captain Emily Fowler, who was exceptional.
Joseph Rowntree results
U14: v South Hunsley W 7-4; v All Saints W 7-2; v Leeds Girls W 7-4; v Notre Dame W 8-2; v Sheffield High W 13-5; v Silcoates D 8-8; v Wolfreton D 10-10.
U16: v All Saints W 12-2; v Sheffield High W 11-7; v Stocksbridge W 10-6; v Silcoates W 12-10; v Bradford Grammar W 8-5; v Wolfreton D 10-10.
U19: v Hall Cross W 11-9; Harrogate Grammar W 12-7; v Beverley High W 12-6; v Sheffield High W 12-4; v Wakefield High W 11-8; v South Hunsley D 8-8; v Woodhouse Grove L 10-9.
Team members
U14: Annie Roberts (capt), Jenna Howlett, Claire Montgomery, Jenny Welsh, Rachael McPherson, Olivia Lawrenson, Chloe Shipley, Gemma Newley, Melissa Handley.
U16: Cheryl Fairclough (capt), Nina Malton, Hannah Errington, Sara Welsh, Emily Armstrong, Rosie Wright, Alice Lawrenson, Sarah Corbett.
U19: Emily Fowler (capt), Mel Ward, Jenni Bailey, Katie Ellis, Katie Caffrey, Heather Welsh, Helen Jamieson, Kathryn Cordey, Kelly Cameron, Edith Bairne.
Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, January 26, 2005
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