FOR the last two years, Newton Abbot College has been one of the only state schools in the country to reach the National Netball Finals, which is an incredible achievement in itself.

However, this achievement has been surpassed this year as the college sees two of its teams progress through to the national finals after a phenomenal performance by both teams at the Regional Championships in Bournemouth last weekend.

This makes Newton Abbot College the only school (state or private) in the South West region with two teams in the National Finals which is an accolade the college is incredibly proud of. To reach the National Netball Finals, the two teams have come in the top two in the South Devon Area Championships, followed by the top two in the County Championship and then top two in the Regional netball competition whilst representing Devon.

To progress this far, Newton Abbot College’s netball teams have beaten a number of prestigious private schools who are renowned for their sporting achievements, including Millfield, Blundells, Dean Close and Taunton School, and have done so due to their sheer natural talent and determination to succeed.

They are a true example of how grit and courage can overcome any hurdle, regardless of your starting point.

Both teams will head to Sheffield in March to compete in the National Finals- the under 16s for the third successive year and the under 14s for the first time, both knowing that the achievement of just getting to the National Finals is something to be proud of, but both aiming to finish in the top eight.