A secondary schools’ netball team has been crowned as the west district champions for the first time.

Year 9 and 8 girls netball teams at The Ongar Academy, in Fyfield Road, Ongar, discovered the news yesterday after a nerve-wracking wait for the results.

The teams played against all the west Essex schools with Year 9 topping the league unbeaten and Year 8 making it through on goal difference.

Head of PE and Performing Arts, Lynsey Clark, said the win is a big result after narrowly missing out on the title last year.

“They are such talented individuals and I am massively proud of them,” she said. “I am the only female PE teacher here and l it’s a small school so to only have one teacher to take on all of the netball, they have done so well to beat the other schools.”

Although netball season has already finished, the youngsters are set to play against the Harlow district champions next month in another play-off.

“The girls are so keen we are paying for a coach to come in after Easter to continue the netball because they really enjoy it.” added Ms Clark.

The Ongar Academy will play the Harlow district champions, yet to be confirmed, at Epping St John’s School in Bury Lane, Epping, on Wednesday, April 24.