York's top young netballers found themselves on a wave of contrasting emotions at the regional finals of the national schools competition.

For Joseph Rowntree School's Under-19 team, it was a case of 'nationals here we come again' after notching up seven straight wins to raise the trophy and secure their place at Manchester Velodrome on Saturday, March 25, at the England finals.

Joseph Rowntree beat Sheffield High 11-9, Hymers College 12-5, Aston Comprehensive Rotherham 10-4, Bradford Girls Grammar 20-5, St Mary's College and Hull 21-4.

Their final game against fellow North Yorkshire qualifiers Ashville College from Harrogate saw Rowntrees go 6-2 behind. But a cool approach saw them fight back to dominate the second half and win 12-7. Ashville were second to also qualify.

But it was heartbreak for All Saint's U14s, who had lost just one game in the last two seasons prior to the regional round at Tapton School, Sheffield.

They got off to a good start against Parkside School from Bradford winning 13-9, followed by losing a nail-biter against St Aidan's (Harrogate) 8-7 - their only loss in two years.

An 11-9 defeat by Wolfreton School from Hull knocked their confidence before losing 10-5 to eventual winners Bradford Grammar.

They were still in with a chance of qualifying after beating a Humberside team 16-1 but, needing to beat title contenders Sheffield High, perished 9-8.

They beat Notre Dame, Sheffield 14-1 in the last game but the result was immaterial and they finished fourth just behind St Aidan's.

All Saints team: Calista Hutchinson (capt), Natalie Klays, Beth lyon, Beth Kilbride, Rachel Anderson, Fran Bell, Hatty Kenworthy, Maddy Hardy and Rachel Edmonds, coached by Sheriden Hutchinson-Jones.

Updated: 09:58 Wednesday, January 25, 2006