King James Academy have another group of county champions - this time in basketball.

The Year 6 team from the Royston school made the short trip to Stevenage for the event, one which saw a total of 10 sides that had already been crowned district champions.

The competition was split into two groups of five with the top team from each group getting the opportunity to play for the title of county champions.

Matches were organised with four boys from each team playing in the first half and then four girls continuing the game in the second half.

King James were representing the North East Herts School Sports Partnership and were on court first against St Mary's from Baldock.

Both teams were nervous and made mistakes but it was KJA that settled into their rhythm with the first points of the game.

St Mary's responded well but were unable to convert any chances before half-time.

The girls then took charge to run out 6-2 winners.

Abel Smith of Hertford were next up but the Royston school were into their groove now and coasted to a 14-6 success.

Further big wins of 12-8 and 18-4 followed to confirm King James as the group winners and sending them through to the final against The Grove of Watford.

They too were unbeaten and had won their last group game 19-0.

It proved to be as close a contest as expected but the King James boys were able to hand over to the girls with a 4-0 lead.

The Grove pulled one basket back after the break but with two minutes remaining, KJA completed a fast break to restore their four point cushion.

They were then able to take control of the game with good spells of possession and more chances before the final whistle sounded.

Rob Dowler, head of PE and school sport, said: "The tournament was an excellent opportunity for our team to put all of their hard work into practice.

"They not only demonstrated good basketball fundamentals but also excellent determination and tactical awareness."

Headteacher Lisa Plowman said: "Huge congratulations to Mr Dowler and the Year 6 team who have become county champions.

"As with all pupils involved in activities like this, they have epitomised two of our character values of aspiration and challenge."

The school has teams playin in each year group from Year 5 to Year 11.

They represent the school in district leagues and county tournaments and already this academic year, 72 pupils have represented the school on court.