St Mary’s Year 10 basketball team won the Blackpool Schools tournament held at Montgomery High School on Thursday 4th February 2010. Against some competitive and sporting sides St Mary’s managed to remain unbeaten throughout the competition winning the trophy for the first time. The team was made up of five year 10 students and two year 9.

In their first game against Collegiate they ran out comfortable winners 24 – 8 with Kidd, Williams and Skelly outstanding.

The next game was against Montgomery. In an exciting and extremely close game they edged past their rivals15 – 14. After gaining the upper hand early they controlled the game and were eight points clear at one stage. However a tremendous rally by Montgomery meant they led 14 – 13 with 30 seconds to go, only for Kidd to score the winning basket. Rawcliffe and Pawelczak played well.

The final group game was against Bispham and despite not being at their best won 22 – 6. Tolliday and Sellas performed admirably.

The final was a re-match against Montgomery and a fantastic defensive display ensured a 10 – 4 victory. In a tight game Kidd and Pawelczak were unbelievable in defence, blocking several basket bound attempts. St Mary’s took their chances at the other end and were always in control as the clock ticked away.

Thanks to Mr McVittie, especially for his tactics and Mr Mannino, for their training and team management. Thanks to all the parents that attended but in particular to the seven boys that represented St Mary’s. Their sportsmanship and behaviour were fantastic.

Congratulations to: Alex Williams, Elliott Kidd, Grzegorz Pawelczak, Andrew Skelly, Sam Rawcliffe, Jason Sellas and Paul Tolliday.