On Tuesday 2nd March, the hallowed netball courts of the Grange School hosted the U14 Mid-Cheshire tournament. Despite a hectic day of hockey training and games lessons, the eight person squad attacked every match in their group with great zeal. As a result they remained unbeaten and finished group winners. After comprehensively winning their semi-final against Cransley 5-1, they advanced to the final.
 
In the final the Grange faced Bridgewater, the only opposition to beat them in the League this season. The team started well, battling for every ball. Natasha Coveney showed a deftness of touch, rescuing lost causes and restoring Grange possession. Meanwhile Vicki Hebblethwaite and Lorna Pittaway marked their players out of the game, forcing uncharacteristic errors from a usually precise Bridgewater team. A tight first half ended 2-2.
 
A determined Grange team played beautiful attacking netball in an end-to-end second half. Lovely link play between Emma Sharples and Anna Simpson set up the chance to take the lead. After adopting the customary Gallimore flick, Jess slotted home a 3 metre shot to put the Grange 4-3 ahead! Yet with thirty seconds on the clock Bridgewater slickly moved the ball into the circle to give them the chance to square the game. At this point Miss Linnell couldn’t bear to watch and Miss Lawson had to turn away to remain impartial as tournament referee. Yet Izzy Philps and Imogen Sherry were unphased and forced a range of mistakes from usually accurate Bridgewater attack. With the goal shooter setting up their fourth attempt the hooter sounded. Mrs Corrigan, Miss Lawson and Miss Linnell would like to congratulate all of the squad on becoming Mid-Cheshire Champions.

The following day our U13 team were in action when The Grange hosted the North ISA Tournament.  Nine schools made the journey and The Grange’s team play can only be described as ‘stunning’! They won all eight of their games and only conceded two goals in the entire tournament.  They thoroughly deserved to be crowned U13 North ISA Champions.