A narrow defeat in the British University Sports Association national first team shield Division 1 play-off final could not stop Southampton University netball team's season being the most successful for years.

Winning the league with surprising ease and gaining promotion to Division 1 have been just two of the highlights. Their run to the BUSA final has also been dramatic.

"It was the first time a team from Southampton University had got to the final," said Southampton's Kathryn Rymarz. "It was disappointing to lose but we had a great day out in Birmingham."

Southampton looked to be on the way to making it an even better day when they fought back from six down after the first quarter of the play-off final against Liverpool Sir John Moores to lead by two shots at the halfway point.

It was all square at the end of the third quarter but the Liverpool team then just edged ahead to win 38-35.

But Southampton's overall campaign was a credit to the team.

Drawing St Mary's College in the first round was not easy but outstanding shooting from Caroline Warman, Kate Littleford and Jo Fox set up a 37-35 win away from home. Jodie Urch gained the woman-of-the-match award.

Facing Nottingham Trent did not pose as much of a problem. The Southampton girls left Trent dazed with a 45-30 victory.

Laura Appleby and Carly Barnes put in sparkling performances in defence, and goal defence Vicky Loosemore was the woman-of-the-match.

The Southampton girls did get the benefit of a home draw against Newcastle University in the semi-finals but their single-goal lead at quarter and half-time shows how tight the game was.

Charlotte Mallorie (wing attack) and Jodie Urch had excellent games,while Kate Littleford proved why she is the team's star player.

Playing together for two seasons has made Laura Appleby and Vicky Loosemore a virtually unbeatable defensive partnership. By double marking the tall goal shooter for most of the game and zone marking the circle they made shooting tough for the Newcastle shooters. Jenny Pearce provided support and reliability at wing defence .

Jo Fox's movement around the court was excellent, combined with accurate shooting.

Fresh legs at half time brought a new lease of life to the Southampton side, allowing them to ease ahead 29-23 at the end of the third quarter.

Kat Rymarz brought new ideas to attack and accurate shooting under pressure by Kate Littleford put the girls well on their way to the final, despite a Newcastle comeback during the last quarter. The final score was 38-35.

MEET THE TEAM:

Goal keeper: Laura Appleby - 22 years old studying politics and international relations. County netball colours for Kent.

Goal defence: Vicky Loosemore - 23 years old, studying textile design.

Wing defence: Jenny Pearce - 22 years old, studying accountancy and law.

Centre: Jodie Urch - 21 years old, studying physiotherapy. County colours for Somerset.

Wing attack: Charlotte Mallorie - 20 years old, studying law.

Goal attack: Jo Fox - 19 years old, studying geography.

Goal shooter: Kate Littleford (captain) - 20 years old - studying geography. County colours for Hampshire and South Bucks.

Subs: Carly Barnes - wing defence, aged 19 studying psychology; Kathryn Rymarz - wing attack/centre, aged 21, studying history, county colours for Norfolk; Caroline Warman - goal shooter, aged 24 studying statistics and applications in medicine; Laura Daniels - goal attack/goal defence, aged 20, studying physiotherapy.