The St Ivo School Under 14 talents can lay claim to being the best girls’ team in England again – after a memorable few days competing in the Rod Houston Cup.

The tournament took place recently at the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall with the top school sides from England, Wales and Ireland in the age group battling it out as they represented their respective nations.

St Ivo finished as runners-up with two victories and a defeat from their three matches – the loss coming against champions Presentation School, from Kilkenny in Ireland.

St Ivo were beaten 9-2 in that game, but responded well to hit a late winner in a 5-4 victory against Welsh outfit Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni.

They then thumped Chesterfield High School – the other English representatives – 9-0. That provided a sweet slice of revenge after St Ivo were beaten on penalties in the national final by the same opponents back in May.

St Ivo hot-shot Lucy O’Brien won the Golden Boot award after slamming in 11 of her side’s 16 goals. Tia Everdell received the coaches’ player-of-the-tournament accolade.

St Ivo manager Lisa Trigg said: “I am so proud of the whole team. Not only have they played superbly, they have also shown great sportsmanship and maturity throughout the three days of the tournament interacting with the other schools.

“As ever, I’d like to add my thanks to Darren Marjoram, who has been brilliant in coaching the team to these great achievements alongside me.”

The St Ivo team were generously sponsored for the tournament by Move With Us, Randstad UK, Go4Schools and Engage Education.

Headteacher Sam Griffin said: “This is another superb achievement which shows that St Ivo is the place to be for girls’ football. These accomplishments year after year really are truly remarkable.

“My thanks go to Lisa for her continued efforts which secure these opportunities for our students.”

St Ivo squad: Sasha Brown, Lia Chambers, Ruby Day, Kellie-Marie Dixon, Macy Driver, Maya Edwards, Tia Everdell, Ella Hampton, Martha Hiscock, Jess Jarah, Melissa Lorman-Hall, Angel Lyden, Tegan Martin, Lucy O’Brien, Megan Scott.