CUMBRIA Under-18 Schoolgirls have achieved what was considered impossible a few years ago by landing their first-ever Northern County Championship title.

The Under-18s wrapped up the honours in fine fashion with a memorable 4-2 victory over the powerful Greater Manchester squad and now cannot be caught.

County Coach Debbie Birkbeck said: " It been a superb team effort from all concerned.

"It is a testimony to the development squad system that was introduced into the county a few season ago."

Kath Sherlock netted twice against Greater Manchester and Dani Haynes and Julie Hope were also on target.

Cumbria had beaten Lancashire 2-1, West Yorkshire 4-0 and drawn with North Yorkshire 4-4 before sealing the championships.

Cumbria Under-16s and Under-15s got back on the winning trail at matches against Merseyside in Liverpool this weekend.

Liverpool had no answer to Cumbria U16s' slick passing game in a fine team performance for a 7-0 victory.

Janette Hope and Lucy Barrett both scored twice and the other goals came from Claire Munday, Hannah Sherlock and Gaby Santos.

It was more end-to-end for Cumbria U15s, whose keeper Jenny Stewart was in oustanding form.

Midfielder Ruth Davies also had a fine match supporting her hard-working forwards.

Cumbria's goals came from Georgie Berhaut playing up a year as well and Sammy-Jo Coxon and Laura Tunstall.

Finals weekend takes place on March 30.

February 13, 2003 12:01