YOUNG sportsmen and women were bowled over when they won a chance to meet the Manchester Giants basketball team.

The sporting students at St Matthew’s CE School were invited to a special presentation during the game between Manchester Giants and Leeds Force.

It came as a result of them winning the Bolton Inter-School basketball competition.

The group enjoyed the game before being invited on court to meet the players in person.

Andy Currid, Year Five teacher and the PE co-ordinator at the Halliwell school, said it had been a fantastic event.

Mr Currid said: “It truly was a once in a life time opportunity for our children to achieve recognition for their amazing achievement.

“The children have been learning to play basketball at school during PE lessons and in after school clubs and came close last year as runners up in the Bolton school’s competition.”

The team will not take part in the regional basketball finals in Manchester later this year.

Millie Naylor, aged 10, said: she was over the moon to meet the players.

She said “I was nervous and excited walking onto the basketball court because I could feel everybody watching us, but when they all clapped and cheered I felt really special.”

Adam Nawaz, aged 11, added: "When we won the tournament I felt happy because our hard work had paid off.

"Meeting the Manchester Giants has made me feel inspired to play more basketball outside of school time, which is something that I don’t currently do.”