ST Swithun's U19 team are National Schools' champions following an epic 2-1 overtime victory against Guildford High School.

St Swithun's won the two-day competition, which featured 48 schools from across the country, at Sherborne School.

Victories on the first day against St Margaret's, Bushy, St James, St George's, Harpen-den, Walthamstowe Hall and St Helen's saw them qualify for the Premier League on day two to challenge for the prestigious Criterion Cup.

St Swithun's were drawn against difficult opponents, including reigning champions Downe House, Berkhamsted and a strong Guildford High team.

Playing controlled lacrosse, they recorded victories against all three before losing to Caterham.

As a result, a semi-final place awaited the winners of their match with Cheltenham Ladies College.

Amelia Pemberton led the way for St Swithun's with a goal in the first minute and the Winch-ester players claimed their place in the final.

St Swith-un's keeper Tammy McCombe was outstanding in the final.

Emelia White scored first for St Swithun's, before Guildford took advantage of some sloppy play late in the game to level the score and force extra time.

Both teams continued to create chances, but no one could break the deadlock until Georgina Saunders drove into the heart of the Guildford defence and scored in the top right-hand corner.

Coach Ann Parker said: "To a lacrosse player, this is like finding the Holy Grail.

"All of their work, hopes and belief in themselves had brought them their biggest prize and one which they thoroughly deserved.

"They are a very special group of players."

St Swithun's second team also reached the semi-final of its national tournament and the U12 squad were crowned West of England Schools' champions.