CHETWYNDE’S rich netballing history has a new chapter after the school’s latest primary team won through to the Cumbria School Games.

The Chetwynde first team triumphed in the Furness area High Five Netball finals at Hoops, overcoming tough opposition to advance to the county showpiece in Carlisle in July.

Eight teams from six schools contested the Furness finals, with both Chetwynde and Dane Ghyll represented by two teams after winning through their cluster events.

George Romney, Ulverston St Mary’s, Pennington and St James’ made up the field.

The competition – in which squads of five girls and two boys from Years 5 and 6 take part – saw two groups of four teams looking to top their groups and advance to the final.

Matches were overseen by Year 9 students from St Bernard’s, with each game – split into three periods, with players rotating on and off the court at each interval and changing position – incredibly tight. Only one or two goals separated sides in the final reckoning.

Dane Ghyll and Chetwynde reached the final, after both teams won all their matches in their groups.

With the sides being evenly matched, the winner would be the team who showed the most desire and held their nerve at the crucial moments. Chetywnde managed to do just that and ran out victors.

Furness school games organiser Oliver Carswell was pleased with the level of competition, and it hopeful Chetwynde will do the district proud when they take on schools from Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland, Eden and South Lakes in Carlisle.

He said: “It was a fantastic competition, with every match being closely contested. That shows how hard the players and teachers have worked throughout the year getting their teams ready.

“The speed at which the games were played was another level and the leaders did exceptionally well just keeping up with them.

“Congratulations must go to Chetwynde on making it through to the county finals.

“I overheard one of the Chetwynde supporters saying the final was the best they had seen them play – I hope they can do exactly the same in Carlisle and really turn it on when it matters most.

“A big thank you also goes to the leaders from St Bernard’s for doing a great job, and also the teachers for ensuring an enjoyable experience for all the children.”