FOUR Wessex players helped the England South boys team to the final of the UK School Games at the Olympic Park in London.

Sam Walrond, Sam Allen, Joel Roberts and Koko Stoimenov were the quartet selected from the Poole-based club.

England South progressed to the last four following their pool success that included wins over Scotland and Wales.

In the semi-finals, England South edged out their northern counterparts 2-1 to set up a final against England Central.

England Central, however, proved too experienced for the England South team who had to settle for silver medals.

Despite the final disappointment the Wessex players were upbeat about their tournament performances.

“For most of us this was the first time we had ever played in front of a big crowd so we made the most of it,” said Walrond.

And Roberts added: “Those of us who will still be the correct age next year, are determined to get selected again and go all the way.”

• Wessex under-15 girls secured third place at the National Championships in Kettering.

The Dorset team reached the semi-final with 2-1 wins over Tendering and North Riding Eagles.

Wessex’s success over Tendering was described as the girls’ best performance of the season.

With only a 10-minute turn-around, however, the Wessex girls were caught cold against Tettenhall Tigers in the semi-finals.

Their Black Country opponents were always in control running out 25-11, 25-10 winners.

Tettenhall Tigers lost in the final to Tameside.

Wessex under-15 girls: Holly Merrifield (captain), Lois Chitticks, Rachel McNeil, Lizzie Wyatt, Jade Solomon, Mae Trigg, Georgia Heggs, Melissa Hanger, Georgie Cooper.