DESPITE having such a young squad, even fielding some players as young as 13, the Wessex Under 15s put in great performances in the National Under 16s Cup, winning two and losing two.

The first round started with Dartford, where Wessex were winners in a nervy game.

Despite winning the first set 25-18, the boys fell behind to some aggressive hitting from Dartford to lose 20-25 in the second set.

In the decider, consistent serving from Austin Anokwuru, blocks from George King and backcourt retrievals from Callum Shamerza and Jake Chedgy saw the Wessex boys 15-8 winners.

Bristol was the next game, and despite an impressive start to the match, both sets were lost after signs of fatigue.

Despite this, the promise from the young team was showing for all to see.

The next match of the day was South Hants who were unbeaten so far and, unfortunately, Wessex failed to change that.

Wessex kept their opponents under pressure with good serving and blocking from King and Anokwuru and liberos Dylan Meseha and Chedgy were working well together but the set was lost 19-25.

The second set was even closer as Wessex gave them a good match, but the second set was 21-25 in favour of South Hants.

The last match of the day was against Richmond, who also were fielding a young squad.

The Wessex boys had a disastrous start by missing five serves in a row, but after a time out the team reset and Wessex were able to clinch the first set 25-19.

The second set saw Wessex come to life as they recorded their biggest victory in their last set, winning comfortably 25-11.

The boys put in brilliant performances despite the age difference and the fatigue issues across the day.