ROYAL Grammar School Worcester won the University of Worcester Superball Trophy for the fourth time in five years.

More than 800 of their spectators in a crowd of over 1,000 cheered the girls in green on to a 54-46 win over King's School Worcester in the annual fixture at the University of Worcester Arena.

King’s edged the first quarter 13-12 but RGS moved Lottie Atkinson to goal shooter, Jemma Moseley to centre and Emily Seymour-Perry to wing defence.

After going down by five they demonstrated resilience and strength to be just 25-24 behind at half-time.

RGS increased the tempo to win the third quarter 15-7 for an overall 39-32 advantage.

In the final quarter, fast-flowing netball, uncompromising defending and pin-sharp shooting from their pacy attack secured RGS the highest score in the competition's history.

Professor David Green, the university's vice-chancellor and chief executive, presented the trophy to winning captain Emma Brinkley.

RGS headteacher John Pitt said: “This was an extremely enjoyable event with netball played at the highest level.

"The girls have had a superb season, reaching the national finals for the first time, and now crowning the season as Superball champions again.

"It is difficult to imagine a school netball match anywhere in the country attracting well over 1,000 spectators and my thanks to the university for supporting this event.

"Well done to both teams and sets of coaches for staging another great exhibition of girls’ sport in Worcester.”

Brinkley was joined in the successful squad by Hannah Middleton, Moseley, Beth Hill, Evie Beardsley, Alexandria Smith, Izzy Nott, Issy Dipple, Lizzie Rhoden, Seymour-Perry, Atkinson, Georgia Padbury and Sophie Thompson.

RGS head of netball Emma Pollard said: "Supporters had witnessed a fantastic event to celebrate the success of girls’ sport in Worcester and raised a significant amount of money for Cancer Research UK.

"Both sides showed skill, dynamism and commitment which converted many novice netball spectators."

Previously, King’s under 16s team placed fourth in the national schools' final after being crowned district, county and regional champions.

They shone at the finals at Stanborough, recovering from a 12-10 defeat to the eventual champions in their first game.

King's lost one more group game narrowly but won the rest to finish second in a pool of eight.

They were pipped 8-7 in the semi-finals by Brighton College after going 3-0 up.

King's were beaten in their final game and managed fourth place overall.

Coach Monica Longley said: “It was a rollercoaster of a day, losing their first match against the eventual overall winners and then going on to win through to the semi-finals.

"The girls have trained hard all year for this moment and fully deserve their final placing of fourth at the nationals.

"It has been brilliant to be a part of this outstanding squad's journey.

"I don't think the players had realised how close they could get to the top spot and I hope they set their sights even higher next year."