South of England Junior Championships - Yateley Manor School, Hants - 30/31st Jan 2010

Sussex usually send a large contingent to this important event, and this year was no exception.

Our representative in the U7 was Oli Howell, who did us proud with a score of 4 out of 6 which earned him 3rd place.

The Keen family valiently turned out in force; and Alexander, the youngest, was the sole Sussex representative in the U8s, scoring a very creditable 2.5 out of 6.

Next up - the U11 section - hotly contested as an England qualifier. The Sussex flag was carried by Billy and Josh (U10), and Cosima and Ben (U11). Congratulations to Billy, who scored 4 out of 5, earning himself his 2nd half-norm and an invitation to the England trials in April - good luck Billy. Cosima, who is already invited to the England trial scored 2,5; both Ben & Josh just missed out this time.

Charlie Keen and Arthur Graham entered the U13 section, with Arthur earning a share of 2nd place with 3/5.

Good to see three Sussex players in the U15 section - Morgan Blake, James Falvey and Freddie Keen. Congratulations to Freddie - 3rd with 3/5.

Running alongside the South of England open championships were the England Closed championships, which are open to England squad members only. Again, great to see so many Sussex players competing - Robert Fitzgerald and Otto Pyper in the U12 section; and Sam Aggarwal, Johnny Burch, Amy Hoare and Toby Harris in the U14. Competition in these sections is fierce; both Robert and Sam were just squeezed out of the placings.

Thanks to coaches Trevor Norton and Jonathan Tuck for attending both days dispensing much appreciated support and advice.