GIRLS from the Grange School are one win away from contesting the final of a national knockout competition.

They reached the last four of the School Sport Magazine Cup for under 12s following a 14-9 win at Grammar School at Leeds in the north region play-off in Yorkshire on Thursday.

A head-to-head with either Berkhamsted or Solihull follows next month.

"They were excellent, playing with drive, determination and skill," said teacher Jess Fowler, who trains the team together with Lauren Watson.

"To beat an opponent like Leeds - a well-known netball school - is is an outstanding achievement."

Grange School have won five matches to reach this stage, recording victories against Christleton High School (39-7), Cheadle Hulme School (46-2) and Stockport Grammar School (30-8) to reach the regional last four.

A 35-15 success against Hill House School before Christmas set up last week's meeting with Grammar School at Leeds.

Fowler said: "We're punching well above our weight.

"Whatever happens next, we're now ranked as the top team in the region - these girls really have achieved something special.

"They have all attended extra training sessions, and have been very committed to improving their game."

Most of the girls play together at the weekends for Northwich Sapphires, where they are coached by Lydia Patterson with support from Michelle and Laura Timm.

Jess Brocklebank, Mia Brown, Saskia Dry, Emily Hills, Millie Peck, Sophie Sellers, Ella Smith, Katie Wakefield and Kenzie Weir make up the squad.

The semi-finals are scheduled to be played before February 12.