A school sports team is celebrating their spectacular achievement after securing second place in a national competition.

William Howard School’s table cricket team travelled to Lord’s cricket ground in London to compete in the national final of the Lord’s Taverners table cricket competition.

Held on Friday June 7, the grand final was a close-run affair, with reigning champions Ralph Thoresby School from Leeds vying for the title.

Coming down to the final bowl of the game, the Leeds school team clinched the match against the Brampton side by just two runs.

Table cricket, an inclusive version of the sport played on a table tennis table, is championed by the charity Lord’s Taverners, which is supported by a number of celebrities including radio presenter Greg James, who joined the William Howard students at Friday’s event.

William Howard learning support assistant Tracey Croucher said the students had greatly enjoyed the experience.

“They were absolutely over the moon when they’d realised they’d got through to the final,” she said.

“We had a great two days.

“We went down on the Thursday, and spent three hours in Hyde Park and stayed in a hotel.

“We made a proper trip of it.

“They were a little disappointed not to have won, but they were all able to appreciate that they had been incredibly successful.

“Second in the country is an amazing achievement.”

Tracey added that the competition was a “fantastic opportunity” for the William Howard students.

“Sports such as table cricket provide that opportunity to excel,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to socialise as well.

“It provides that social interaction you don’t get in a classroom environment.

“They all very much enjoy it, and get a lot out of it.”

The team has been celebrated by the entire school for their significant achievement.

“The whole school has got behind them, both the staff and fellow students,” Tracey said.

“We’ll be holding a presentation in an assembly this week as well, so they’ll be getting a trophy and a medal in front of the whole school.”