WESSEX under-15 girls overcame a poor start to claim top spot in their regional pool and qualify for the National Finals in Kettering next month.

Their victories were against Team Southampton, Richmond and Sussex Dolphins at the Southern Area Final at Oakmead School.

The girls were caught cold, however, in the opening match against Team Southampton and were 10-1 down in the first set.

As the set progressed, Wessex showed glimpses of the game they are capable of before losing 25-14.

Wessex started the second set strongly and as confidence grew they started to dominate the game with good attacking and defensive play, which resulted in a 25-19 set win.

Leading throughout the final set, Wessex eventually ran out 15-12 winners.

Captain Holly Merrifield, setter Lois Chitticks and libero Georgie Cooper all played leading roles in the fightback.

Rachel McNeil’s superb serving helped Wessex turn a 20-19 deficit into a 25-21 first-set win against Richmond.

Wessex were always in control of the second set and despite a Richmond fightback, took it 25-19 with the final points won by Jade Soloman and Mae Trigg.

Wessex, however, left their best performance for the final game against Sussex Dolphins, who were still in the hunt for a place in the finals.

The Dolphins’ main threat came from Igaro, their hard-hitting middle player.

Wessex middles Lizzie Wyatt and McNeil, however, were up to the task with good early blocks to force the Dolphins to switch to their less effective outside hitters.

Wessex’s attack on the other hand was working well, with setter Chitticks and Georgis Heggs giving their side the upper hand.

The Dorset club secured a 25-21, 25-15 success to seal their place at Kettering on May 12.

Wessex: Holly Merrifield (captain), Lois Chitticks, Rachel McNeil, Lizzie Wyatt, Jade Solomon, Mae Trigg, Georgia Heggs, Melissa Hanger and Georgie Cooper.