Surrey led the way at the 2024 Junior Inter County Championships finals after securing four impressive titles in Sheffield.
The county claimed both U13 titles, as well as victories in the BU17 and BU19 categories.
It was also a successful tournament for Hampshire, who earned two titles of their own, whilst Yorkshire, Warwickshire, and Sussex all won one title apiece.
In the event’s youngest age category, Yorkshire emerged victorious in the BU11 championship after winning their three ties against Lincolnshire, Yorkshire B and Warwickshire in a monrad draw.
Meanwhile, it was Warwickshire who prevailed in the GU11s, after recording a number of strong performances throughout the day, including three 3-0 wins against Norfolk.
It was a double swoop for Surrey in the U13 categories after the boys team won 3-2 in a tense final against the only other undefeated team: Yorkshire, whilst the girls team beat Wales 2-1 in the last tie following triumphs over Hampshire and Yorkshire.
No.2 seeds Warwickshire earned their second win of the day in the after recording a nail-biting 3-2 victory over top seeds Surrey. Warwickshire had defeated both Kent and Yorkshire 5-0 to set up a thrilling finale.
Hampshire obtained the GU15 title after they conquered Warwickshire 3-0. Both sides had won their respective groups heading into the tie, but Hampshire proved too hot to handle in the final.
The BU17 category saw Surrey lose just one match over three five-match ties, defeating Hampshire, Yorkshire, and Warwickshire to win with Ronnie Hickling, Jake Johnston and Indie Flint all not dropping a game.
The GU17 saw Sussex attain their only title of the day thanks to victories against Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, and Avon.
No.5 seeds Surrey won the BU19 category as the team overcame No.4 seeds Northumbria, No.1 seeds Hampshire and No.6 seeds Lincolnshire on their way to the title. While facing the top seeds, Surrey’s Michael Chak and Sonny Flint both won their matches 3-0 with Chak scoring 11-0 in his second game.
Hampshire swooped for their second title in the GU19 category as they defeated both Essex and Northumbria 3-1 to claim the title.
Speaking after the finals, tournament organiser Tim Vail reflected on the success of the event. He said: “It’s been another great season of the Junior Inter County Championships, culminating with the finals this weekend. The atmosphere at the three venues was amazing all weekend. You can’t beat all the counties being in the same venue cheering for each other.”