NETBALL players have higher goals thanks to a master class from one of the countrys best players.

Super League giant Emma Lower taught Barnard Castle School girls the inside game on shooting at a special coaching session for the elite squad.

The 6ft 4in player is a member of Oaksway in Hartlepool and Team Northumbria, one of the best sides in the Super League.

Her team member and friend at Oaksway Jacqui Robson teaches chemistry at the school and asked her to help hone the elite squads skills.

Emma, 33, of Sedgefield, told the girls it was never too late to start playing competitively - she was 30 before being spotted.

The former North Tees Hospital A&E nurse now works in an Army medical clinic at Catterick Garrison and has to combine a rigorous training and match regime with a full-time job.

My only night off is Friday otherwise I am training or playing somewhere in the country, she told them.

She taught the girls the best ways to warm up before turning to shooting techniques.

Barnard Castle School netball first team captain Rebecca Morrell said: Our aim is to develop the same reputation for netball that the boys have for rugby.

We have had a good season so far, reaching the regional finals recently, and the master class will certainly help us score more goals in the future. We have our eyes firmly fixed on reaching the nationals next year.

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