ERITH School’s U13 handball team finished runners up at a national competition.

The boys only took up the sport six months ago but were expertly coached by teachers Rob Culley, Paul Crowe and Simon Lucraft and went all the way to the final.

Earlier the boys had beaten Parrs Wood School 5-0 and drew with strong favourites Harris Boys’ Academy 2-2 to top the group.

Erith defeated Wirral Grammar School 2-1 in the semis to book a final spot, where they were just edged out by Harris Academy from East Dulwich.

PE teacher Mr Culley said: “The boys were not even expecting to make it out of the group.

“To become national runners up is a credit to their determination and we are so proud of every single one of them.”

Erith School squad: Ross Gladdish, Daniel Akomolafe, Ryan Catmull, Bayley Massey, Billy Reavill, Patryk Smereczynski, Myles Ellis, Matthew Neary, Moses Aregbesola and Luke Bresnahan.

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