MAX Cole successfully defended his Rayleigh Schools Tennis Tournament title on Saturday.

The Year 4 pupil from Our Lady of Ransom school defeated Sid Franklin 10-2 in the final to retain the trophy he won last summer.

Sid, who is Year 3 at Edward Francis, beat Benjamin Mills (Edward Francis, Year 4) 10-8 in a close semifinal between two players coached at Rayleigh Lawn Tennis Club, which hosted the event.

Max secured his place in the final with victory over Ethan Werry (Rayleigh Primary, Year 4) in the other semifinal.

Belle Alderton secured the girls’ title with a 10-5 victory over Sophie Flynn.

Downhall pupil Belle defeated Isabelle Priest (Rayleigh Primary) 10-0 in their semi-final.

Sophie, who goes to Wyburns, booked her place with a 10-5 semifinal win over Our Lady of Ransom pupil Chanice Bandidin.

The event was the culmination of a tournament organised by Rayleigh Lawn head coach Ryan Wilson and his coaching team.

Around 500 Year 4 and 5 pupils from Edward Francis, Wyburns, Our Lady of Ransom, Downhall and Rayleigh Primary schools competed at class level.

The winners from each class progressed to the finals at the Watchfield Road club where the 12 boys and 12 girls players were split into four groups of three.

The winners of each group progressed to the semi-finals.

For more details on coaching sessions at Rayleigh Lawn call Ryan Wilson at ryangwilson81@gmail.com.