Gerringong qualified as South Coast regional champions and were one of only two school teams in NSW to reach two state competition finals played over two days at the Anne Clark Centre at Lidcombe.

In their first state finals, the NSW PSSA Knockout, Gerringong were ranked in the top eight after regional qualifying wins over Minnamurra PS, Kiama PS, Shell Cove PS, Illaroo Road PS, Bowral PS and Jerrabomberra PS.

Their state final opponents were spread across NSW and included other champion schools Blayney, Bolwarra, Newport, Tamworth and Wauchope.

First up Gerringong lost to a well-drilled Tamworth 33-16, then were beaten by Thurgoona 25-21, leaving the South Coast champions to finish seventh.

The experience at their first state event was a benefit the following day in the NSW School Cup finals.

Gerringong won three of their five games to finish third overall, from 319 schools in the tournament. Gerringong lost to Orange and Toukley, and beat Emu Plains, Narrabri and Albury.

Hunter-based St Mary's Catholic Primary School won the Years 5-6 Cup division with Catherine McAuley PS, Orange, the runners-up.

The Gerringong PS players enjoyed their chance to compete at the highest level, and thanked Anna Dougall for assisting as an umpire.

The Schools Cup was a Netball NSW initiative for students in years five to eight.

Schools competed in 30-round robin "Local Day" carnivals around the state, with almost 5500 players taking the court from 548 teams representing 319 schools.

"We've seen a huge response to this year's competition, with more than double the number of children participating in 2014 compared to last year, which is really pleasing and a credit to everyone involved," Netball NSW general manager, sport development Nikki Horton said.

"To see how well this competition has been received by schools across NSW after only two years is a great reflection on the popularity of netball at a grassroots level."