Jenna Gates ended a nightmare year by guiding Sussex to the national under-17s inter-county title.

Gates has been sidelined with a back problem since last April.

But she bounced back in style to win the deciding match in a 3-2 final victory over Yorkshire at Park Langley Club in Beckenham.

Gates,16, from Henfield, said: "I was delighted to help my county, although everyone on the team played their part.

"I felt I had the beating of my opponent if I concentrated but I only had my first full fitness session on court last week.

"I have had a bad time. A soft tissue had broken and weakened the back. I tried to come back last summer but it was too soon.

"It has been frustrating and I have had to be patient but I am now fully fit at last. Helping my county win such a prestigious title has given me a big boost."

The former national under-15s champion, who also claimed the French Open crown, added: "I hope to build on the success."

Fifth string Katie Hanley (Middleton) gave Sussex a flying start against Yorkshire with a 3-0 win.

But Kelly Morgan (Storrington), at No.3, lost 3-0 and Helen Whitney (Dragons, Copthorne), No.4, was defeated 3-1.

Top string Rachel Willmott, the national under-15 and under-17 champion from Horsham, levelled the match with a 3-1 victory before Gates came through.

Gates, a student at Brighton Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, defeated Kathryn Cordell 3-0 following a whitewash victory in the 4-1 semi-final win over Gloucestershire.

Willmott, Hanley and Rebecca Austin (Bexhill) also scored wins against the west country opponents.

Linda Willmott, assistant to manager Sid Austin and Rachel's mother, said: "It was the core of the side which won the national under-15s two years ago so it is a fantastic double.

"It was especially sweet to beat Yorkshire as they always seem to pop up against us in finals.

"It was a team effort but Katie's win gave the rest a huge lift of confidence because she had a difficult opponent, while Jenna and Rachel were expected to win."