The Norfolk under-10s county sides put in a solid performance to finish second in Division 2B of the 12 Counties Championships at the Corby Tennis Centre.

With girls and boys teams both competing, Norfolk finished second behind Cambridgeshire to give their team a great start to the new 12 counties season.

The girls' side got off to a flyer against Staffordshire in the first tie, Esme Dickinson, Catherine Barnes and Emily Cott won their matches as Norfolk picked up a 3-1 victory.

Wins for David Matthews and Ewan Lait meant the boys drew 2-2 with their Lancashire counterparts.

Northamptonshire were brushed aside with a superb middle-round performance, both teams coming away 3-1 winners.

Finlay Rowan's win at number one singles proved crucial and battling victories for Matthews and Lait completed the scoreline for the boys.

Madeleine Hall and Barnes were winners before Cott fought hard to come through 5-4, 5-4 and earn the girls a second 3-1 victory of the day.

The two strongest teams went head to head at the end of the day but, with top spot to play for, Cambridgeshire did enough to claim first place.

A gritty effort from the boys team, who refused to roll over, earned an impressive 2-2 draw as Matthews won 5-3, 5-3 and Lait battled through a championship tie-breaker.

The girls ran into a formidable Cambridge side and were unable to pick up any rubbers, losing out 4-0 to confirm the group standings.

Captain David Weeds was full of praise for his spirited side that showed determination to win matches that could have gone either way.

'David Matthews toughed out two matches and showed good self control, Ewan Lait's determination meant he came from behind to win against Cambridgeshire,' said Weeds.

Lait, Barnes, Cott and Dickinson were making 10 and under county debuts and all acquitted themselves fantastically.

The 12 counties events run into the new year and Norfolk will send sides to compete at the 12, 14, 16 and 18 and under age groups.

The Under 10s were the first teams to compete and Norfolk currently sit second in group 2B.