GRANGE School have reached the final of a prestigious national knockout for the first time after a thrilling semi-final success.

They came from behind to beat Berkhamsted School, opponents that had eliminated them at the same stage last year, in the School Sport Magazine Cup.

A 37-33 victory at Winsford Lifestyle Centre on Friday afternoon secured for the Hartford school’s under 13s a spot in the showpiece – coincidentally to be hosted this time around by Berkhamsted – at the end of next month.

Their Hertfordshire-based foes, who had travelled by train to Cheshire earlier the same day, had established a 12-9 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The teams were tied at 21-21 by halfway before a storming start to the third period saw Grange edge ahead for the first time.

They did not trail in the contest again, and started a final 12-minute spell with a 30-27 advantage.

Goal-shooter Jessica Brocklebank stayed ice-cool to continue her scoring streak in the closing stages, while goalkeeper Mia Brown performed admirably – and doggedly – in defence against a much taller direct opponent.

Their side had won half-a-dozen matches, helping them to finish as the highest-ranked northern representative for a second successive year, to reach the last four.

Grange now await the outcome of the other semi-final, between Godolphin & Latymer and Millfield, to discover who they will face in the final at Berkhamsted on Wednesday, March 22.