JOSEPH Rowntree School's Under-19s flew the flag for York, North Yorkshire and the region at the National Schools' Netball finals in Manchester.

It was the third time the squad had reached the national finals and they came up against some of the strongest defences they have ever encountered.

The girls were disappointed with their final placing of 15th but when 4,500 schools had started the tournament in September, it was still quite an achievement.

Jo Ro beat Tyne Met 9-6, but lost their remaining seven games v Loughborough 5-4, Croydon High 9-5, v Moulsham 15-4, v Fairfax 17-5, v New College 11-7, v Bacup & Rawtenstall 16-9 and Farnborough Sixth Form 14-4.

The squad was Edith Bourne, Nina Malton, Alice Lawrenson, Cheryl Pratt, Helen Jamieson, Hannah Errington, Sarah Welsh, Mel Ward, Emily Armstrong and defender Rose Wright who was voted player of the tournament by players and spectators.

Joseph Rowntree U15s will be looking to follow their senior side to the nationals in the future.

The school's 'A' team produced some brilliant play to lift the York and District title.

In their group stages they beat Bootham 14-2, Lowfields 20-1, Manor 10-2, Millthorpe 10-3 and Queen Margaret's 8-4.

In the semi-finals they beat The Mount 8-3 and in the final met Queen Margaret's again. After trailing 2-1 at half-time they pulled away to win 7-3.

The winning Jo Ro team was Jenna Howlett, Annie Roberts, Claire Montgomery, Jenni Welsh, Rachel McPherson, Olivia Lawrenson and Chloe Shipley.

Their 'B' team was fifth in their tournament.

Ryedale School have dominated the Scarborough and Ryedale Netball Championships.

Both their 'A' and 'B' teams were crowned champions at Under-12 level at Graham School, Scarborough.

The 'A' team beat Lady Lumley's, Pickering, 4-2 after thrashing Scalby 8-0 in their semi-final.

Ryedale 'B' team played a round robin format and were unbeaten in their tournament.

Ryedale also won the Under 13 tournament after a hard- fought final against rivals Scalby.

It was 7-0 after 30 minutes, but Ryedale pulled away in the final quarter to win 18-8 and lift the title.

Updated: 10:27 Wednesday, April 05, 2006