A TEAM of basketball players have netted themselves success.

Philips High School’s under 14 boys team finished the sporting season as Bury champions, Greater Manchester champions, North of England champions and English Schools runners up.

After winning the Greater Manchester competition the team went on to beat teams from Liverpool, Oldham, Newcastle and Essex to finally come up against Christ's School from London, in the national competition.

Gary Davies, team coach and head of the PE department at the school in Higher Lane, said: "With the match level at 37 - 37 at half time there was still everything to play for right up to the last quarter when the opposition began to move ahead.

“Noah Togo received a special mention at the award ceremony for his performance but a 41 point individual most valued player performance from one of the opposition saw the difference between the two teams.

“The team deserve great credit for the way they have performed on court but also the way they have conducted themselves travelling around the country and the hard work they have produced in training.

"With one tournament left to complete for the Year 7s in the final, the school teams remain undefeated in Bury for nearly three years.

"This season they have won all the league and play off titles, two golds and a bronze in the three Greater Manchester competitions, a northern title and a national runners up spot. Well done boys."

Christ's School's under 14s team won by 19 points with the final score 88 - 69.

Noah, aged 14, added: "I am proud knowing that we made Philips history by being the first team to make it to a national final."

Headteacher Tina Owen said: "I am immensely proud of the under 14 boys basketball team reaching the national finals.

"They overcame many challenges along the way before achieving this fantastic result.

"I would like to thank all the staff involved with the team. It is an amazing achievement and I wish them every success in future competitions."