WESSEX under-18 men booked their place in the final of the National Cup after comprehensively progressing through the Last 8s in Kettering without dropping a set.

A semi-final victory over Newcastle Staffs A followed group wins over Newcastle Staffs B, Nottingham Rockets and Tendring Technology College as the Dorset outfit set up a clash with reigning champions Boswells in April.

Wessex skipper Joel Roberts said: “The team really earned a place in the final this year. We worked hard all day.”

With Harry Jones and Miguel Espinoza both playing starring roles, Essex-based Tendring were brushed aside as Wessex made an encouraging start.

Ben Torrens, Nick Morris and Dave Corbin were pivotal as Wessex eased past Newcastle Staffs B before Nottingham Rockets, who had been tipped to reach the final, were beaten courtesy of a fine all-round team effort.

Newcastle Staffs A, boasting several England juniors, were eventually worn down by Wessex in the first set of the semi-final before a stirring fight back in the second saw Wessex prevail 25-20, 25-23.

Wessex under-18 women also topped their group thanks to wins over North Riding Eagles, Black Country A and Polonia Academy.

However, despite a valiant attempt to reach the final, Wessex were edged out 25-17, 25-23 by Tameside in the last four.

Wessex under-16 girls exceeded all expectations by reaching their semi-final, missing out narrowly on a place in the final following a closely-fought two-setter with Black Country.

A new squad of about 30 girls, brought together by coaches Dave Gunter, Rex Palmer and Orfeas Tsouroplis, showed a superb attitude throughout and registered group wins over Newcastle Staffs A and Malory Eagles.

Wessex under-16 boys gave a good account of themselves after being faced with some tough opposition in their group. They just failed to capitalise on some good chances to reach the semi-final and finished third.

Wessex under-18 men: Lyle Anderton, Joel Roberts, Miguel Espinoza, Sam Allen, Koko Stoimenov, Harry Jones, Nathan Fullerton, Ben Torrens, Gervaise Bynoe, Dave Corbin, Nick Morris, Will Van Wingerden, Peter Rowe. Coaches: Lynn Allen, Anthony Roberts.