CHISLEHURST'S Croydon Foxes junior lacrosse side traveled to Hertfordshire on Sunday to compete against 38 of the best under-19 teams from around the country in an eight-a-side tournament.

This shortened form of the game is fast and furious, with six minute halves played on a full-sized pitch ensuring there is a premium placed on movement, fitness and technique.

Croydon Foxes started fast and dominated their first game against Cranleigh with a 5-2 victory.

They followed this with a 3-1 win against Harrogate before earning a 2-2 draw against a strong Putney team.

In their final pool game, they demolished North London Collegiate 9-0 to qualify in one of the top-two afternoon round robin pools.

Foxes started against St Swithuns, one of only two sides who had beaten them in the previous year's tournament.

There was to be no repeat as this time the Foxes controlled possession from the start and never gave their opponents an opportunity, winning 3-0.

Next up were Cheltenham Ladies College B and again Croydon ran away as 5-0 victors.

A tough penultimate encounter against Monmouth ended with a 3-1 win to Foxes before they played their final game against Cheltenham Ladies College A for the right to be group winners and champions.

Cheltenham won the first two draws and scored to leave Foxes with an uphill task, although they did not panic.

Determined play from Hayes won the next three possessions.

Croydon Foxes moved the ball rapidly and Steel provided the final touches, moving them into the lead.

They ended up as 5-3 winners and worthy group two champions.

Croydon Foxes scorers throughout the competition were: Sophie Harris (1), Monaghan (1), Cunningham (3), Davis (4), Hayes (5), Steel (10) and Sophie Brett (12).

Children interested in playing lacrosse are welcome to join the Foxes any Saturday morning at 9.30am at the Old Elthamians ground.

For more information, call Paul Brett on 01689 836463 or 07860 315381.