Schools Netball: Scots compete well in Northern Cup

Golspie High School 15-year-old Bethany Sutherland was the youngest member of the Scottish team that finished runners-up in the Northern Cup in Cardiff.

With the World Youth Championships taking place at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena in August, another four schoolgirls – Nicola McCleery (Calderglen High School), Catriona Thomson (Hillhead High School), Amy Craig (Our Lady’s High School, Cumbernauld) and Jo Pettitt (Peebles High School) – were also in the under-21 side at Sports Wales National Arena.

In the opening-day friendly, Scotland suffered a 40-41 defeat against Wales Under-19s. But, in the Cup matches, the young Scots beat Singapore 46-40 before going down 31-68 to Wales Under-21s in the title decider.

“We don’t get a lot of international experience so it was a good three days,” said captain Lynsey Gallagher. “It’s great to see youngsters in our team. Bethany is 15 and Jo Pettitt is in the Commonwealth games squad.

This week, Scotland’s Under-17 team compete in the European Championships in Malta. Duncanrig High School’s Katie Gallagher – Lynsey’s younger sister – is in the squad.