A GROUP of Ayrshire girls made history last month at the netball district finals day.

The county's under 17 side became the first Ayrshire side to make it to finals day, where the competed to become the best district side in Scotland.

And though they finished in second place, it was an incredible year for a very talented group.

The girls earned their spot in the the finals day after an outstanding season for the Ayrshire side.

They competed against other districts from across the west and south of Scotland for their place in the showpiece event held at Edinburgh University at the end of April.

On their way to becoming the best in the district, the under 17 side were unbeaten for the full season.

They defeated fellow district teams from Inverclyde, Dumfries and Galloway, East Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Glasgow and became the first Ayrshire side to compete at the finals.

They went into the event as an "unknown entity" with Ayrshire not often expected to compete at this highest level.

Though the group of 12 girls from across the county are a particularly talented team, and were ready to show the rest of Scotland what they can do.

Being in this stage of the competition alone had already secured the best finish ever for a county team but they were hoping to go all the way and earn first place.

Fellow district league winners Edinburgh and Orkney stood in their way of achieving this ambition.

Unfortunately, their first match of the day all but ended their hopes, as the home Edinburgh team won the match 55-36, after overturning a 10-11 deficit from the first quarter.

Though with both finals matches played in the same day, Ayrshire still had a chance to earn second spot when they faced Orkney in their final match of they day.

And they performed superbly to produce a resounding 46-27 victory and the silver medal for the whole of Scotland.

It was a fitting award for the outstanding side, who could only be bettered once throughout the season.

And those who have supported the team throughout the campaign continued to show their support following the finals.

One said: "Well played girls was a pleasure to watch. Best in the West and second in the country is no mean feat!

"Big thanks to all the coaches for their hard work and input all season."

While another added: "It was some day. Thank you so much to everyone who came to support, you made it such a special experience for the girls."

And now, with the season concluded, applications are open to trial for the district sides for their next season.

This includes sides at under 17 and 15 level, as well as an under 19 side for the first time ever.

For more information on this, visit facebook.com/ayrshirenetball.