By Mhairi Moore – reporting from Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Motherwell

It has been many years in the making and is the result of much dedication, grit and determination. On Friday, the dreams of one small but very well knit group of Notre Dame pupils came true.

In front of a travelling troupe of family, peers and teachers, Notre Dame’s senior girls’ netball team were crowned Scottish national champions after winning the Scottish School’s Cup – and the girls were on Cloud Nine!

Having been beaten last year in the final, the girls returned to the prestigious competition this year and emerged victorious, after defeating Peebles High School 59–55.

The impressive result makes the Notre Dame team the best Scottish team out of 117 who were competing, and is the first time Notre Dame has tasted success at the finals for over 3 years.

The match itself began with an explosive team effort from Notre Dame and, within just 4 minutes, the girls had already scored 3 goals. However, the physical strength and power of the Peebles team soon became clear as the opposing side managed to catch up, resulting in a very well matched, close-run first quarter.

Throughout the second quarter, Peebles continued to narrow Notre Dame’s lead, generating mixed reactions from the crowd.

However the Notre Dame girls seemed determined that the trophy was theirs so they continued to battle on, opening the point gap back up and piling the pressure on their opponents.

The third quarter had spectators on the edges of their seats as the two sides battled nose-to-nose, in terms of points. Towards the end of the quarter, Notre Dame’s girls managed to turn it around, holding their nerve to gain a crucial 10-point advantage. An unexpected substitution from Peebles, meanwhile, meant they had to swap their Goal Defence due to injury.

By the time the final quarter arrived, players and spectators felt the adrenaline and sheer energy fill the massive hall as both teams pulled out all they had left to win. It appeared to be anyone’s game, but the Notre Dame girls seemed to have that little bit extra something which guaranteed them this historic win.

After the trophy presentation, Principal teacher of PE, Mr Armour, commended their performance. He said: “It’s an outstanding achievement for the girls. It was a tense match, however they held their nerve, showing grit and determination and that’s what saw them through.”

Head Teacher, Mrs Couttie, added: “I am really pleased as I know the girls were disappointed last year. However I am delighted that they held their nerve and got a win that they deserve.”