Members of Talbot School have retained the Leeds Mini Tennis Championship in an event at South Leeds Tennis Centre which
attracted 800 children from across 100 schools.

Their success has left rivals wondering just how Talbot keep up the pressure in an event where they had to beat 15 rivals to clinch the title.

Victory for the tenacious Talbot team give them the key to competing in the West Yorkshire Youth Games at Leeds Metropolitan University's Beckett Parkbased Carnegie Sports Centre on Saturday.

And on that day the Roundhay school will proudly fly the banner for Leeds against yet more rivals.

It was back in February whenTalbot started the task of winning the Leeds Mini Tennis Championship.

Their squad included Oscar Bailey, Gavin Taylor, Lizzie Fitzgerald, Ellen Common, Niall Mullany, Alistair Deuchars, whose brother, Cameron, also lent a hand, Lauren May and Selina Smyllie.

There was cruel luck, however, whentwo players suffered setbacks. Antonia Elsey had prepared with her team colleagues for the
final success only to break her arm over the weekend.

There was also a setback for Kate Robinson when she suffered a twisted knee.

Talbot's team manager Tom Youdan,whoteaches at the north Leeds school, praised his players for their commitment and dedication.

He said: "With so many players competing it is a fantastic competition and we have always enjoyed entering an event which has become the leading one of its kind in the country."

In a bid to boost fitness and court flexibility Mr Youdan has formed a club for his young players at the school which has played a key part in their triumph at the South Leeds Tennis Centre.

Event organiser Charlie Tatman and his team led the way putting in hours of effort in securing the Leeds venture. Mr Tatman has just taken
over as the Leeds Tennis Development Officer and wants to thank all those who ensured the success of the event and all those who helped to secure a "match ball" for the successful Leeds team.