IT has been an outstanding season of netball for Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls' (HMSG) teams.

Both the under-16 and under-18 teams have become south east Wales champions for the second successive year.

They will go on to represent the region at the national finals due to be held in Swansea in March.

On 21st January, the under-18 event took place as a two-group, round robin tournament – with a final to decide the winners.

Caroline Jones, HMSG teacher in charge of netball, coaches the girls with Sandra Kinman, and said: "A tense and excited under-18 team took to the court as reigning county champions, and started well with comfortable victories over Blaneau Gwent Learning Zone and Cross Keys B. 

"A much tougher match, fought hard to the end against Croesyceiliog, set HMSG up for the final. 

"A well drilled Gwynllw side started well, but once HMSG began to flow, they never looked back. 

"A comprehensive 22-9 victory gave them the county title for the second year running."

The under-16 team won their title in November.

"For the under-16 team, the first round begins with a pool of 24 schools which is whittled down to just five; each school having won their respective group," said Caroline.

"Held at HMSG, the finals consisted of our team, Gwynllw, Pontllanfraith, Caerleon and Tredegar.

"A close game in the first match saw a very nervous HMSG take a 9-5 win against Gwynllw.

"As the nerves settled, the standard of netball improved and a 19-1 win against Caerleon and 13-2 victory over a tough team from Pontllanfraith meant all HMSG had to do was beat Tredegar in the final round, and the title was theirs for the third successive year.

"HMSG made a fantastic start to the game and never looked back, winning the match, again taking the county title."

For more information on HMSG, visit hmsg.co.uk or follow the school on Twitter @habs

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