The water polo girls have reason to celebration on two fronts, with both individual and team success being achieved during the past few days.

Buoyed by the news of Ella Cotton’s call-up to the East Region’s U18 Inter-Regional Championships squad, BGS went on to qualify for the National Schools Finals.

BGS travelled to Kings High School in Warwick for the preliminary round, where they were competing against the hosts, Bedford Modern and Cheltenham Ladies' College.

BGS faced the Gloucestershire school in their first fixture, eventually running out comfortable 6-2 winners, after the scores were tied at the break.

BGS had stiff competition in their next outing in the form of Bedford Modern.

Drawing 2-2 at the interval and with the halves only lasting for five minutes, a nervy second half awaited for BGS. But a tactical tweak from coach Mrs Boast saw captain Rachel Sayer switch from defence to attack, helping BGS to a 4-3 win.

Despite the distraction of a fire alarm during their final match with Kings High, Mrs Boast’s side eased to a 7-1 victory and a spot in the Nationals at Northampton School for Boys next month.

Mrs Boast said: “I was impressed with the teamwork and enthusiasm shown by the girls, which is crucial when you have so many games back-to-back.

“A special mention must go to our goalkeeper Emma Brown who gave her best performance to date, saving numerous shots in quick succession and sending the ball straight back down the field to our attacking team.

“All the girls showed that hard work and training pays off.”