By DAVID COULTER

Published at 09:05, Monday, 30 July 2012

A TEAM of girls from Ponteland Community Middle School narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals of a national competition.

The nine Year 6 pupils represented the North of England in the Asda Kwik Cricket finals at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, but just missed out on a place in the final four.

After winning one of their group games, a narrow three run loss meant that their participation in the competition was ended prematurely.

Teacher Stephen Salter said: “The girls are obviously gutted about not qualifying for the semi-finals.

“But they are also very proud that they are in the top 10 best teams in the country.”

To make the nationals, the 11-year-olds first had to see off opposition from five other schools to win the area finals.

They then took the county title at Stocksfield after beating 12 other teams.

In the regional finals they won the right to represent the North of England after beating off competition from all over the North-East and Cumbria.

Representing Ponteland were Francesca Burrin, Jessica Farnham, Lauren Beales, Holly Huntley, Katrina Sanders, Victoria Lynch, Madeleine Reynard, Emily Large and Rebekah Wilson.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk