UNIVERSITY students believe they have set a new record for the world’s longest netball match after their 72-hour marathon challenge ended yesterday.

The 23 members of Durham University’s netball team are awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records officials but are confident they have done everything necessary to claim the crown.

Having started playing at Maiden Castle sports centre, in Durham, at noon on Tuesday, they passed the previous best of 61 hours, set by a Canadian club, at 1am yesterday – but continued for a further 11 hours in the hope of holding the title for as long as possible.

As the final whistle approached, more than 100 students, parents and well-wishers gathered to cheer from the sidelines. With about a minute to go, S Club 7’s Reach for the Stars sounded from the loud speakers. One suspects those on court could hardly lift their arms at all.

A ten-to-one countdown of the final seconds ended with a huge cheer, as the girls collapsed into each other’s arms for an exhausted group hug.

Organiser Maxime Rowson, a 19- year-old law student from Kent, said: “It’s been so much harder than we expected – but the finish was absolutely brilliant.”

Olivia Hovington, a 19-year-old sport student from York, said: “It was horrendous. It’s rewarding now it’s over, but I didn’t expect it to be so emotionally draining. We were all completely shattered.”

Another girl said: “It has been physically and emotionally the most challenging thing I’ve done. I think at one time or another we’ve all broken down in this sports hall.

We’ve all cried, but we’ve somehow managed to pull each other through.”

The players, drawn from three university teams, spent up to four hours on court before getting a break, then going back on. Most tried to sleep on the floor. Many were injured, strapped up and sent back into action.

The final score was 3,560-3,414.

It is hoped the stunt – nine months in the planning – will raise £10,000 for Help for Heroes, Sport in Action Zambia and the club’s funds. To donate, text Dunc72, followed by an amount between £1 and £10, to 70072.