ARDLEIGH St Mary’s School were crowned Roman Cup squash champions after the final round of matches at the Colchester Garrison last week.

The event, organised by the Off The Walls Squash Academy, featured 64 players from six schools split into 16 teams.

The children, from years five and six, competed over three tournaments with the combined scores securing the overall title.

Ardleigh St Mary’s were relatively comfortable winners of the Year Five event.

But it was a monumental battle in the Year Six division with just six points separating second-placed Lawford from the top prize, also won by Ardleigh.

Off The Walls Squash Academy senior coach Lauren Selby said: “The level of competition and the improvement of squash was remarkable.

“This has been a fantastic competition and I couldn’t be happier with the level of commitment and fairness shown by all the players.

“For most of the children, the Roman Cup has been their first taste of competitive squash.

“I’m sure by the smiles and the ability on display over our three events, it won’t be their last.”

Year 5: Final scores: 1 Ardeligh (1) 532 points; 2 Dedham 482; 3 Langham 426; 4 Lawford (1) 411; 5 Gt Bromley 403; 6 Ardeligh (2) 398; 7 Lawford (2) 378; Bradfield 288. Best Girl: Rosie Snook – Ardleigh St Mary’s. Most Improved Girl: Amy Burgess – Langham. Best Boy: Alfie Austin – Ardleigh St Mary’s. Most Improved Boy: Joseph Mayhew-Millard – Bradfield.

Year 6: Final Scores: 1 Ardeligh (1) 511 points; 2 Lawford (1) 505; 3 Dedham 386; 4 Langham 370; 5 Ardeligh (2) 363; 6 Bradfield 353; 7 Lawford (2) 346; 8 Gt Bromley 340. Best Girl: Hannah Morley – Ardleigh St Mary’s. Most Improved Girl: Emma Lay-Flurrie – Lawford Primary. Best Boy: Kian Mistry Shah – Lawford Primary. Most Improved Boy: Will Dutch – Ardleigh St Mary’s.