GIRLS from St John’s Academy in Marlborough are celebrating after clinching the runners-up spot at the U16 England Basketball National Schools Championships.

The 11-strong group of Year 8 to Year 11 girls, coached by John Pearson, had battled through to the final four at the University of East London from a field of around 40 teams.

The team – captain Sally Hine, Ruth Bentley, Téa Clarke, Abby Ghent, Isla Gibbins, vice captain Crizza Grecia, Katie McQue, Lola Monro, Emily Palmer, Mollie Vines and Tyler Watson – saw off the challenge of Barking to book a final against Greensward, of Southend, who edged out the Wiltshire girls to claim the overall title.

Captain Hine said “I’m very proud of my team and it was a brilliant way to end my time at St John’s.’’

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