The joy and camaraderie was clear to see on the faces of Truro School’s Under 16 netball team when they clinched the county title recently.

Hosted by Penryn College, the tournament saw 11 of the county’s top school Netball teams descend on the campus to battle it out for two coveted places in the regional finals.

Led by team captain Molly Browne, Truro School’s tournament tale started in a group of five teams with victories against Penair 17-2, Penrice 17-6, Penryn 14-9, and Pool 18-1.

The girls went on to play Wadebridge in the semi-finals, progressing with a 20-4 victory, before claiming their place in the three-way round-robin final against Richard Lander and hosts Penryn.

With the pressure on, the girls kept their cool to deal with a tough Richard Lander team, winning 10-6. The crowds then gathered for an intense end-to-end title decider against the hosts Penryn, resulting in a last gasp 12-11 victory for Truro School.

Truro School’s Head of PE, Mrs Zoe Jobling, said: “The girls’ camaraderie and commitment was superb today and they fully deserve the success that they’ve gained so far. They all really get on and support each other and this has a hugely positive impact on their performances.”

This is the second year in a row that Truro School’s Under 16 Netball team have won the county title.

Mrs Jobling said: “Participation is the key to success. We regularly play in the Cornwall Schools’ Partnership League and rotate our team to give everyone a fair opportunity. My biggest wish is that I can help the girls to develop a lifelong love of Netball. If they went on to join a club after leaving Truro School then that would be the biggest compliment they could give.”

In addition to encouraging participation, this is the second year in a row that Truro School have held trials for their county squads. This includes trials for students in younger year groups who feel they are ready to step up early.

The success of this scheme has been highlighted in the squad selection for the triumphant Under 16s’ team in which three of the nine girls are eligible to play for the same age group next year.

Along with Penryn College, Truro School’s Under 16s team next head to Bournemouth at the end of January to play in the regional finals against seven other county winners and runner-ups from the southwest.

Truro School’s Under 14s and Under 18s also take to the court in the near future. The Under 18s are set to compete in their county tournament next week, with the Under 14s scheduled to play in November for their age-respective places in the regional finals.

With sports scholars in the ranks and strong local club links including Saints, Predators and St Agnes, the future is looking bright for Truro School’s talented Netball players.