Durrington High volleyball team's successes

Teams from the school in The Boulevard travelled to Surrey to play in the regional group of the national under-14 competition, in December.

The girls team, captained by Georgia Bird, were too strong for the opposition and they won all games 2-0, beating Southampton in the final to secure their place in the finals tournament at The Ernest Bevin School, Tooting, London, on Sunday, March 2.

Megan and Sian Warren completed the 3-a-side team and they showed all the skills necessary to take the South east title.

All three players have confident attacking serves and put their opponents under pressure in every point.

Coaches Darren Ball and Freda Bussey entered three teams in the boys and girls competitions to give more players a chance to experience competition at this level.

The boys team have also reached the final stages, beating five out of the six teams in their pool.

Captain Tom Wardell led his team confidently and showed all the attacking and defending skills needed to make a good volleyball player.

Harry Bird made a positive start to his volleyball career at this level and served and defended well.

Mark Stewart and John Watkins completed the team and they have a place in the national finals for boys on March 1, also in Tooting, London.

The Under-16 boys team failed to reach the finals after losing to Boswells and Tendring from Essex and St Clement Danes from Hertfordshire in their second round competition.

Durrington High School students Jimmy Carey and Greg Warren showed good blocking and spiking skills and captain Kieron Gillard lead the team as setter and play maker.

Some of the junior players will play in the national last eight competition to be held at Keele University on March 9 with the successful Under-18 boys team.