Champions!

Mar 13 2003 Christopher Beesley, Ellesmere Port Pioneer

BASKETBALL: ELLESMERE Port Catholic High School's U15 boys have been crowned English Schools' National Champions after their victory in Barrow-in-Furness on Sunday.

Mike Burton's team defeated hosts Thorncliffe Sports College 67-58 in the final to take the title and remain unbeaten throughout two days of competition.

The tournament featured the country's top eight schools and EPCH won all their Pool B matches, defeating Danum of Doncaster 73-37, London's Parkfield Academy 71-49 and the Blue Coat School, Liverpool, 56-40.

Pool A runners-up Notre Dame, Norwich, were then beaten 52-30 to set up the championship match against the home side from Barrow.

EPCH were always in command of the final and led by 19 points with just 1min 45sec remaining when coach Burton gave his bench players a run-out.

For the first time in the school's records, victory was achieved with all 12 members of the squad getting their name on the scoresheet throughout the competition.

Scoring totals: Matthew Williams (121); Tom Bowen (52); George Banks (38); Michael Adams (31); Paul Kelly (29); Michael Hayes (15); Adam McGee (9); Matthew Lloyd, Matthew Smith & James King (all 3); Paul Drewery (2); Mark Kimpton (1).

Mr Burton said: 'I'm delighted with how all the boys played. This same squad won the U14s last season and they are our first team to repeat the feat at the higher age group the following year.

'This is also the first time that we've won the U15s title after being U14 champions four times and winning the U16s on one occasion.'

The prospect of future successes for the school also looks bright with EPCH's two leading scorers, Matthew Williams and Tom Bowen, both Year Nine pupils - a year younger than the rest of the squad - and third top scorer George Banks only in Year Eight.

* Eastham Mets are hoping to return to the area and are looking for players aged 16 and over of all abilities to join them for training and matches on Saturdays. For more details, contact Stuart Jewell on 0151 513 5357.