Handball: Upton-by-Chester High School crowned national champions

Jul 21 2011 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

SPORTING youngsters from Upton-by-Chester High School now have two hands on a national handball trophy.

The school produced a series of top-notch displays to be crowned the winners of the under 15s boys title at the England Schools Finals.

And victory at the Midlands event, held at the Aldersley Village Leisure Centre in Wolverhampton, has not gone unnoticed with star attacker Ryan Thomas, named as the tournament’s most valuable player, being picked for the England U16s squad.

Thomas has since played with the national team in an international competition in Sweden, where the squad registered its highest ever finish of third.

Head of PE at Upton, Paul Medland, said: “Ryan, Ben Roycroft and Alex Turner successfully came through the U16s England squad trials and Ryan made it through to the first team.

“This is some achievement as he is only a Year 10 pupil. He is an outstanding player and is making great progress in the game.

“I hope his and the school team’s achievements are recognised.”

The England Schools Finals proved a tough test, where the top two schools from the North, Midlands and the South came together at U15s and U13s level for boys and girls.

Two wins and a draw were enough for the Upton team captained superbly by Toby Venables to make the final, where they encountered recognised handball school Cardinal Griffin Catholic High.

Undaunted by the challenge which faced them, Upton overpowered Cardinal Griffin to win, thanks to tight defence and an ever-effective Thomas.

Also starring was Matt Pickett, in goal, who saved his best for the last game to pull off some outstanding saves.

Upton headteacher Jane Holland said: “We are immensely proud of our students who have become national champions at handball and we wish them further successes in the future.”

A school spokesperson added: “Thank you to Mike King, the coach of Deva Handball Club, who works with some of the team at his club and has made them such an organised and efficient team.”