A SEAGULLS trio scored a triple first for the Dorset club as they helped South East England to second place in the ASA Inter-Regional Championships at Walsall – the UK’s top tournament for junior girls.

It’s not only the first time that Beth Kingsley, Chloe Roxburgh and Kathy Rogers have experienced competition at this level but the first time Seagulls (Christchurch) have had any female players selected for a regional team.

They were picked for the two-day tournament following a rigorous trial in December and found themselves with a set of team-mates they had never even met let alone played with.

Despite this disadvantage, the South East began by upsetting the formbook, unsettling pre-tournament favourites North West A to top their preliminary group and earn a semi-final against London, another major force.

This too ended in victory for the South East, who moved into a final against North West B, who had produced an upset of their own by beating North West A in their semi-final.

The final proved one step too far for the South East, who went down 10-6 to claim the silver medals.

Seagulls coach Rob Webber said: “This was an experience to remember for these three girls and represented a real step up in class.

“With GB coaches on poolside, we have high hopes that their talent will be recognised further.”

Webber added: “This takes Seagulls’ tally of ASA medals to two gold and six silver in just two years – a phenomenal achievement for a club relatively new to the game.”