VOLLEYBALL: TEENAGE volleyball stars from Melksham shone at the national finals in Northampton, where the under 18s and under 16s girls did the town proud.
Captained by Katy Hamilton, from George Ward School, Melksham under 18s defeated Ashcombe Dorking, Tettenhall and Tees Valley to qualify for the semi-finals, where they met old rivals and reigning champions Wessex.
The Melksham girls put up a fantastic fight against a Wessex side which included three England junior players and one player who has already received her first senior England cap.
Wessex edged a tense opening set 26-24, despite the best efforts of Kelly Paget, who delivered some devastating kills. The effort of the first set sapped the Melksham girls' energy and Wessex went on to record a comfortable victory to book their place in the final against Tettenhall Tigers.
Melksham's under 16s girls are now ranked fifth in the country thanks to a solid performance in Northampton. Some great hits from Becky Ashworth and determined defence from Amelie Exton earned the girls an opening victory over St Edwards. But despite their best efforts, defeats to Tettenhall and Tameside ended their hopes of a winner's medal.
The girls would like to thank their coach, Sue Pierce, who retires from coaching at the end of the season.
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