WESSEX are celebrating after clinching runners-up spot at the under-15 Junior National finals in Kettering.

The Dorset outfit came through two tough pool games and a semi-final before putting up a good fight in the final against Tameside.

Wessex were thankful to Holly Merrifield who produced a magnificent pancake pick-up to help them overcome Ashfield Vipers 25-23 in the first set of their opening pool match.

And although Ashfield took the second 25-22, Lauren Lyddiatt produced four excellent serves to help them win the decider 15-13.

Wessex booked their place in the semi-final after topping their pool thanks to victory over North Riding Eagles, with a fine all-round team performance seeing them prevail 25-14, 25-19.

Great back-court defence from libero Georgie Cooper and excellent serving from Lizzie Wyatt helped them take the opening set 25-20 against semi-final opponents Wiltshire Mavericks.

Although Mavericks hit back to take the second 25-15, Wessex drew on all their resources to clinch a place in the National Cup final with a 16-14 win in the decider.

Wessex gave their all in the final but found Tameside a well-drilled outfit, the Manchester club triumphing 25-13, 25-17.

Wessex: Lois Chitticks (captain), Lizzie Wyatt (vice-captain), Wenna Grigg, Amber Davies, Jesse Marais, Melissa Hanger, Georgie Cooper, Holly Merrifield, Tess Power, Lauren Lyddiatt, Beth Pardon, Erin Thorne.