THE talented table tennis stars of Altrincham Boys Grammar School kept up their great run of success by reaching the u19 National Schools finals for the second successive year.

The Year 13 trio of Kin Fung Chan, Vaiken Venkat and Hal Dwobeng, backed by younger player Charlie Goodstone, also previously fought their way through to the national finals as u13s and u16s, losing out on the ultimate prize to the London Academy, a school which receives external funding to provide full-time coaches.

The AGBS team are coached by local former international player and coach Brian Kean and he said: “This year’s road to the finals at Hinckley saw the team win at various geographical stages winning the Greater Manchester County followed by the North west Zone and ultimately the North Regional finals at Blackburn.

“Their place at Hinckley was secured with wins over schools from Leicester 7-1, Hull 5-1 and a nail-biting final play off with Henry Fanshawe School, Derbyshire.

“With the score standing at 4-3 for ABSB it fell on Charlie, the baby of the team, to step up to the plate and deliver the coup de grace with a 3 sets to 0 win.

“Both Dwobeng and Venkat gave rock solid performances in close, tense matches which was testament to their tenacity and ability to succeed in the face of adversity.

“Without question it was the 100 per cent winning performances of Fung Chan who led the way as the England-ranked Cheshire county player led by example.

“He turned in a true captain’s performance both on and off the table and his enthusiasm and experience was instrumental in the motivation of his team mates.

“These boys have set a standard and example to younger year players and there is no underestimating the hours and commitment required to achieve a modicum of success and there are no short cuts.”