YOUNG athletes at a North East school are celebrating their fourth year as the best netball team in town – despite losing key players on the morning of the tournament.

The Year 10 netball team from Longfield Academy in Darlington again emerged undefeated at the town’s annual secondary schools netball tournament, retaining the title they’ve held since competing as Year 7s in 2021.

Remarkably, they achieved this despite facing a shortage of players on the morning of the tournament.

The netball team with teacher Rachael PiggettThe netball team with teacher Rachael Piggett (Image: Chris Barron)

Teacher Rachael Piggett, Year 10 Leader, explained: “It was all a bit mad. Due to injuries and other commitments, we were four players down on the day, and it looked like we might have to forfeit. But a couple of younger girls, and two Year 10 students who had never even played competitive netball before, stepped up and offered to help so the team could compete. And clearly, they played fantastically.

“To go from not having a full team to winning another undefeated town championship in just a few hours is incredible. I’m just so proud of them. They’re such a nice group of girls, they’re all friends, and you can see how far their team spirit and dedication have taken them.

“They’re easily one of the most successful teams we’ve ever had at Longfield, having now won the town tournament four years in a row without losing a single match in all that time.”

Team captain, Lily Dimmick, said: “I’m so proud of all the girls. We work really well together, and it’s been amazing to lead them as captain. I also want to give a special thank you to the four girls who stepped in at the last minute when we didn’t have enough players – you can join us again any time!”

Her teammate, Sophie Errington, added: “Next year, we hope to enter the national schools tournament and represent Longfield against the best teams from all over the UK.”