A STUNNING first was gained by Millthorpe School, who for the first time in its history, won the county round of the national schools’ netball competition.

The Millthorpe marvels set the tone in their tournament opener against Ryedale School.

Excellent shooting from Laura Stables saw Millthorpe race into a 5-1 lead at half-time before running away as eventual 15-2 winners.

The second match against Ashville of Harrogate was to be the hardest and against the team who ultimately finished second.

Goal defence Deny Hancox – Millthorpe’s player of the tournament – gained some crucial rebounds in the Ashville attacking circle and goal keeper Kate Chapman marked the rival goal shooter out of the game which Millthorpe won 7-4.

Next up were Stokesley and the Millthorpe march gathered momentum as a commanding second half underpinned a 13-4 conquest, where excellent centre-court pressure from Rachel Jarman and outstanding play from Emily Farrow gained several turnovers.

York rivals Joseph Rowntree trailed only 3-2 at the interval, but, inspired by Cassie Thomas and Holly Murphy, who fed the circle beautifully, Millthorpe won 9-2.

The lunch break was followed by routine triumphs, 14-5 and 13-1 over Queen Mary’s and Whitby Community College respectively, to take them into the final encounter.

A win meant Millthorpe would collect the trophy, a loss would mean three teams would still be in the running for the title with goal average the decisive factor.

Millthorpe were positive from the outset against Harrogate Ladies College to take a 5-3 lead at the end of the first half.

Sustained pressure from Chapman in the defending circle and fine link-up play between Stables and Thomas saw Millthorpe to an 8-4 win.

They totalled 79 goals, conceding just 22 and boasted the best goal average.

Besides the trophy, Millthorpe now represent North Yorkshire in the regional rounds.