YOUTH is leading the men's national title challenge this summer at Hampshire Tennis Club.

The squad contains no less than five teenage players, including Surrey's national doubles champion Ross Hutchings.

In their first match of the Division 1 South season Hutchings, alongside his brother, Blake, Guy Thomas and David Gaterell, helped Hampshire whitewash Oxford Sports 6-0.

But the Hedge End-based side were beaten 4-2 in the second round of matches by south-coast rivals West Hants of Bournemouth.

Ross Hutchings and Thomas won for Hampshire, with Whiteley 14-year-old prospect Adam Wright also performing well.

Captain Gaterell, who at 24 is very much the elder statesman in the squad, looked ahead to the next fixture against Winchester on May 11.

"We have done quite well so far, but it will be a tough match," he said. "Winchester are traditionally a very strong side and we will be without Ross and Guy."

In contrast to the men, Hampshire women's team are having to rely on experience in their quest for national honours.

Fiona Nicholson, Sue Espley, Lynn Skerrett and Nicola McCornick make up the team, with young prospects Catherine Gunn, Harriet Piercy and Gemma Vaughan all away at universities in the United States on tennis scholarships.

They have made a steady start in Division 1 South of the National Club League, winning 5-1 against Aylesbury, but suffering a 3-2 reverse against Guernsey.