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DEVIZES School's sixth form basketball team have waved a fairytale farewell to their school days by lifting the national U19 title.

The youngsters stunned the big boys from London, Leicestershire and Yorkshire to win the English schools basketball championships in Nottingham on Saturday.

And Devizes PE teacher Colin Herring, who has coached the boys for seven years, says it is a dream come true.

The 51-year-old said: "It's been a long road but you couldn't wish for a better finish than being crowned the best team in the country.

"It's a dream come true for me and them. All but one of the lads are leaving now, which is really sad.

"I've been teaching PE for 30 years and they're the best basketball team I've ever come across.

"I'm looking to retirement in the next few years and I don't think I'll ever have a team like that again.

"The little boys from the country have done well."

Devizes, who lost in the final last year, came from behind to beat North Yorkshire school Lady Lumley's 73-66 in this year's showpiece after winning six knockout round matches on the way to Saturday's finals.

Herring feels the triumph is a testament to the boys' endless hours of practice.

He said: "I want to thank the lads for their total dedication over the years, they used to come in before school in the snow and rain to practice. The older boys work so hard but I think I'll have my work cut out trying to groom our next team.

"The younger boys are not quite so disciplined so it's going to be tough."

10:15am Thursday 15th May 2008

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