A PARTNERSHIP between Grange School and Northwich Sapphires has produced success on court this year.

Jess Fowler, a PE teacher at the Hartford school, says coaching and support from volunteers at the club has given students more time to improve their skills in competitive matches.

“The link between us continues to build,” she added “It’s been invaluable, enabling us to play more games than previously.”

Grange’s under 16s and under 13s teams claimed first prize in national competitions organised by the Independent Schools Association (ISA).

Meanwhile their under 18s and under 14s were third overall in the respective age categories.

Closer to home, teams in four age groups won district competitions against rivals from neighbouring schools.

Meanwhile Grange under 12s, runners-up in the National School Sport Magazine Cup, were crowned champions at county level too.

“By working together we’re raising standards,” said Sapphires coach Lauren Watson, who also heads the club’s committee.

“We’ve seen more girls than ever before being selected for Cheshire’s representative teams – that’s not a coincidence.”

Grange teams have also tested themselves in head-to-heads with counterparts from Bolton, King’s in Chester and Macclesfield, plus Stockport Grammar.

Fowler added: “The girls’ commitment has been outstanding.

“Encouragement from parents has played a part too in what has been a busy, but enjoyable, season.

“Without them, and the support of coaches, umpires and volunteers at Sapphires, we would not have been as successful.”