GIRLS from the Grange School can learn from their previous experience at the English National Schools’ Finals when they return there, according to their coach.

The Hartford school’s under 14s team have qualified for a second successive year after coming through a north west qualifier.

“They’ll know what to expect this time,” said Lauren Watson.

“A number of our players were competing as under 13s last year, and so came up against older girls.

“The environment will feel more familiar when we go back.”

They travel to Stanborough School, in Hertfordshire, next month.

Grange progressed as winners from the Cheshire preliminary along with King’s School Chester.

That earned for them a place at the regional finals in Ellesmere Port.

They secured a semi-finals spot there after impressing at the group-stage with wins against Withington Girls’ School, Keswick, Merchant Taylors’ School and Westholme.

Wirral Grammar School pushed them hard in the last-four, but Grange resisted a late fightback by their rivals to continue their run.

A rematch with Withington followed, and the Manchester champions avenged a defeat earlier in the day when they prevailed by a single-goal margin.

However both teams were already guaranteed a place at the national finals.

“It was a tense morning and an excellent standard of competition,” said Jess Fowler, head of netball.

“Despite some absences due to illness and injury, the girls pulled together and executed their game perfectly.

“Their whole performance was exceptional, something we’ve come to expect from this team – they should be really proud of their achievement.”

Grange School: Sophie Sellers (captain); Jessica Brocklebank (vice-captain); Katie Wakefield, Millie Peck, Alex Byrne, Emily Pugh, Emily Hills, Emily Cook, Alice Taylor and Sophia Stubbs.