WHILE the Croydon Foxes boys competed in a mens' match, six of the girls travelled to Gloucester to represent Kent in the counties tournament.

This tournament was a real step up in class for the Foxes, who are based in Chislehurst, as it attracts the cream of English junior lacrosse.

They all converged on Westonbirt School, Tetbury, representing 13 counties in a tournament played in two leagues with semis and finals between pool leaders and runners-up.

Kent started strongly beating Hampshire 5-1 in their first match with Helena Brett netting a hattrick, before facing cup holders Monmouth in their next outing.

This was a much tougher, very physical game which Kent won 3-1.

Next up, near neighbours Surrey provided a very stern challenge but Kent shaded it 3-2.

Kent's next two matches were comfortable as they beat Wilts/Dorset 8-1 then Oxford 11-1, meaning Kent had won their division and faced Middlesex in the semi-final.

Middlesex shaded the first half 2-1 before Kent stormed back with a move covering the length of the pitch allowing Sophie Brett to clinically open the defence with a precision pass to the cutting Jess Saville who scored to level.

The fight dropped out of Middlesex and Kent ended comfortable 5-2 winners reaching the final where they faced Berkshire.

Kent dominated the final storming into a two-goal lead within two minutes.

Berkshire threatened to get back into the game but Kent were in no mood to let it slip and controlled possession refusing Berkshire a sniff of the lead.

Kent won 4-2 and were crowned champions for the first time.

The Foxes provided the spine of the Kent team with Helena and Sophie ending joint top-scorers with eight goals each.

Jess was a dynamo covering every inch of the pitch while Bekki Day held the defence together at crucial times.

Victoria Watling and Katie Mills both fully contributed.