Brighton College are the top netball school in Sussex.

They won closely-fought under-13s and under-14s finals and were runners up in the under-15s county competition.

Jane Langhorne, head of girls' games at the College, said: "To have success across the age group is a terrific achievement when you bear in mind how good the competition was.

"I have been involved in Sussex netball for 20 years and the standard of the sport is the best I have ever known it.

"Coaches are more clued into what is required and parental support has got better. Schools are taking the sport seriously and pupils also play league netball outside school.

"State and private schools are making their mark. The competition was healthy."

Brighton College under-14s claimed the age group title at Burgess Hill School for Girls for a second successive year.

They were given a tough test by experienced Downlands (Hassocks), who included several Mid Sussex players.

But shooters Jessica Crofts and Stephanie Tyler steadied nerves by scoring vital points in a 25-20 win.

Brighton College under-13s edged to an 18-16 victory against The Towers (Bramber).

Their under-15s missed out when Imberhorne (East Grinstead) beat them 31-27.

Langhorne said: "My team were disappointed but it was the right result in the end."

Burgess Hill clinched the under-16s cup for the third time in four years.

They pipped The Towers 48-47 in an epic final.

Burgess Hill opened up an eight-point lead but lost goal shooter Emma-Jane Rennie and county defender Mairi Ankers with knee problems.

The Towers came storming back but Burgess Hill managed to hold on in a rousing finale.

Team manager Liz Laybourn said: "The injuries made it difficult for us but I'm delighted for the girls."

About 1,700 players competed in all the age groups.

Brighton College under-19s were presented with the Sussex Schools Under-19s League title trophy during finals day.

Their third successive triumph following victories over Chichester, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, St Bede's (Upper Dicker), Imberhorne and Hurstpierpoint College.

Langhorne said: "All but one of our wins were by 20-point margins.

"The only tight game was against Hurst and we edged home 29-28. We're proud of the achievement."

BURGESS Hill failed to qualify from their group in the national schools under-16s finals in Manchester.