An Oldham school's netball stars are celebrating a second national title in two years.

Blue Coat School Under 16s have been crowned the Sisters In Sport National Cup champions - a national cup knockout held at Loughborough University - two years after winning the Under 14s category.

The tournament is initially split between north and south, leading to the final four from the top two schools in each section competing in the national final.

Blue Coat faced St Albans in the semi-final and secured a convincing 30-15 win to set up the final against Upton-On-Chester School.

It was hard to separate the two teams in an epic final that finished 18-18 at full time, and was decided on a golden goal rule, with Blue Coat clinching it 19-18.

And Libby Royle, daughter of Oldham Athletic chief executive Darren and granddaughter of Latics legend Joe, was crowned MVP (most valuable player) in the final having made the flying interception that gained possession for Blue Coat and allowed the winning goal to be scored in golden goal time.

PE teacher Miss Curley said: “This is the second time this squad have won this prestigious title, having previously been U14 Champions.

"We are all so proud of the work and commitment that the girls have put into their netball over their five years at Blue Coat and into their wider school lives.

"They are an incredibly dedicated group of young women who are a pleasure to coach and spend time with.

"I am so delighted that they could end Year 11 on such a high and it really is the cherry on the cake as they move onto their Sixth Form studies with us.

"They’ve already got their eyes on winning the Sixth Form title next year!

"We also have three Year 10 students involved in the squad so the future is looking bright for continuing success of netball at Blue Coat."

Headteacher Rob Higgins added: “We are all thrilled and so proud to be able to celebrate the incredible achievement of the U16 netball team.

"To win a national final in such a dramatic fashion not only highlights their performance level but also their ability to compete and retain their composure in the most intense and pressurised of competitive situations.

"Their success is down to the commitment and dedication that they have all shown to netball over the last four-five years. In that time, they have received incredible support from the PE department, their parents and also the local Oldham netball community, who have all worked together to provide the platform from which they have achieved this great success."