NATIONAL glory beckons for five pupils from a Wimborne school who have proved to be dab hands at a paralympic sport.

Queen Elizabeth School’s Under 14 Boccia squad have fought their way through the regional finals to try their chances against teams from across the country next month.

Charlie Williams, Hannah Baker, Zoe Bastin, Olivia Powis and James Wallbridge have shown they’re masters of the art, which is similar to bowls.

Deputy head Tim Farrer said: “It’s the equivalent of sending your first 15 rugby team to Twickenham, or your first 11 footballers to a final at Wembley.

“This is the highest achievement they can make, and it’s absolutely brilliant.”

The teenagers got to the final in Exeter after coming second to a team from Thomas Hardye School, in Dorchester.

So victory was extra-sweet when they beat their old adversaries 3 – 2, after a series of high scoring wins. Teaching assistants at QE, which is a sports college, helped coach the talented youngsters to the top.

“For a group of students to show real courage and determination to get through and win this is an incredible achievement,” Mr Farrer said.

“It’s a real demonstration of the Olympic and Paralympic values.”

The game explained

BELIEVED to be an Ancient Greek sport, Boccia is a test of nerve, tactics and skill.

Played on a rectangular court by individuals, pairs and teams, it sees athletes aim to land balls close to a target ball or jack.

Each player, pair or team gets six balls on each end.

At the close of each end, the athlete, pair or team whose ball is closest to the jack scores one point, and receives an additional point for every ball that sits closer to the jack than the opposition’s closest ball.

Individual and pairs matches consist of four ends, while team events are held over six ends.

It’s played by wheelchair athletes with players required to sit within a throwing box at one end of the court.