HOLY Cross College will represent the North West in the finals of the Under-19s National Schools Netball Competition after winning the regional title.

They will take on the best school netball teams in the country at Stanborough School in Welwyn Garden City on March 18.

A total of 18 schools from around the UK have made the finals.

Holy Cross made it through the regional rounds without losing a match in the fast-paced competition, which is played over two seven-minute halves.

The regional rounds culminated in a finals day at Wirral Grammar School at the end of January.

Victories over Queen Elizabeth School (24-1), Falibroome (12-6), Westholme (21-8) and Range (10-4) set up a semi-final against Wirral Grammar.

The hosts were unable to capitalise on home advantage as Holy Cross won through 11-7 to face Crompton House in the final.

Despite slippy conditions, with a number of players on both sides taking a tumble in the final, Holy Cross held their nerve and after edging the first half 3-1 they pulled away in the second to run out 13-4 winners.

Despite defeat, Crompton House also booked a place in the national finals alongside Holy Cross, who have also qualified for the Association of Colleges Nationals, which will take place in Nottingham in April.

The successful squad is coached by PE teacher and volunteer Mary Crolla, with many of the members also playing for YWCA Bury.