BRIGHTON Hill Community College under-13 boys have equalled the success of their under-17 team schoolmates by reaching the southern regional final of the British Schools tennis competition.

In a regional semi-final against Coke Thorpe School from South Oxfordshire, Matt Waissen, playing with a painful hamstring injury, got the local team off to a flying start by beating his opponent 6-0.

Hot on his heels, Matt Gibbons also gave a very competent performance, overcoming his opponent 6-1.

Ben Foxley, at number four, had to play for the first time on a clay court. Although slightly unsure about the surface, his determined and thoughtful play saw him through to a 6-1 win.

Jack Waissen, a hard-hitting tenacious player, had a slightly more difficult match against the Coke Thorpe number one but, once again, his attacking winning shots enabled him to win 6-4.

As Brighton Hill Community College won all four singles, there was no need to play the doubles.

PE teacher Madeleine Probyn said: "I am delighted that the team has reached this stage of their group competition. The under-17 boys reached the south final of the Glanville Cup in June and the under-15 boys reached their south final last October.

"The reputation of Brighton Hill Community College being one of the top tennis schools in the South of England is certainly justified."

In the regional final the team will play either Dr Challoners (Bucks) or Forest School (Berkshire).