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Denholm claim title in schools netball return

For the first time in 19 months, Small Schools Netball returned to the Queens Leisure Centre in Galashiels last week.

Hosted by Live Borders’ Active Schools team, the competition welcomes primary schools with 115 pupils or less to compete for the Borders Small Schools title.

Participating schools from across the Borders included Newtown, Westruther/Channelkirk, Gordon, St Joseph’s, Greenlaw, Swinton, Glendinning, St Margaret’s, Newcastleton, Stirches, Denholm and Morebattle.

Teams competed in four-minute matches and in different pools on their way to the final. Denholm and Newtown contested the final, which was taken out by Denholm with a three-goal victory.

Live Borders Earlston Active Schools Coordinator; Gemma Ross said she was delighted to see the return of the Active Schools events.

“It has been such a long time coming, but we couldn’t be happier to be welcoming pupils back to the court. The young people brought nothing but enthusiasm and determination with them today and it was obvious that we were not the only ones excited to be back,” she said.

“A big thank you goes to all our schools and staff for their continued support, particularly during these challenging times. We’ve had to take some extra precautions and make a few changes to our events this year to ensure they are as safe as possible, so we thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding with this.

“These events wouldn’t be possible without the help of school staff, PE teachers and parent volunteers, who help prepare pupils for the event and also assist with the umpiring and officiating on the day itself; so another huge thank you to everyone involved in today’s competition, no matter how small a contribution.

“Next up in the Active Schools competition calendar is Sportshall Athletics – we look forward to helping keep our young people healthier, happier and stronger throughout these remaining few weeks of term.”