An U13 girls’ team from Farlingaye High School, in Woodbridge, took part in the national competition as one amongst 1500 schools.

They won the Ipswich and South Suffolk, the county, and the regional finals to go to Worcester for the national finals.

After playing four round robin games the team’s final match came was against Bower Park Academy from Romford and went to penalties after the scores were tied at 2-2 after full and extra time. .

A spokesperson for the school said “It was a tense and tight match, going into extra time and then penalties.

“There isn’t a handball club within 60 miles of Woodbridge, and all the training was done in school.

“The girls are very talented in a range of other sports and transferred their skills onto the handball court.”