CHIPPENHAM’S Sheldon School handball team are hoping for glory this weekend as they compete in the national finals.

The team, which is run by PE teacher Rob Humphreys, consists of Year Eight pupils plus three Year Seven students.

Humphreys only introduced the game to the school’s curriculum two years ago and admits the success of team has come as a surprise to him.

“We have only been doing handball for a couple of years at the school. I introduced it and we have been doing it in lessons,” he said.

“We’ve been successful at a local level against other schools. We definitely weren’t expecting it but we’re a good team and I’m hoping we can hold our own.”

The U13 boys team have had to play a total of five games to get to the nationals at Worcester University on Sunday and Humphreys admits it has been an enjoyable experience.

“It’s a proud moment. The whole PE department got behind it too, we just wanted to give the children more opportunities,” he added.

“What I have liked is the way they have taken the Year Seven pupils on board as well. It is an even bigger achievement for them because they’re a year below.

“They have done incredibly well. They’re a great bunch of lads, they’re not arrogant at all and they are really keen.

“The one bad piece of news is one of our best players, Jude Bell, won’t be able to play because he dislocated his shoulder.”

The school’s catering company ELIOR have also sponsored the schoolboys by providing kit for the finals.