LILY Cherry has qualified for the ESTTA National Finals in Doncaster at the end of April, having won the Dorset Girls’ Under-16 title for the second year running.

After gaining valuable experience on last year’s trip to South Yorkshire, the youngster will be hoping to go at least one step further this time around.

She exited the event in the group stages 12 months ago so, first and foremost, the youngster has her sights set on reaching the knockout rounds.

Cherry has enjoyed another successful season in Dorset. She led the Budmouth girls to the county team title and impressed at the regional finals in Plymouth.

In the Weymouth League, the Budmouth A team consisting of Lily, twin brother Tom and Sam Millar, have competed in Division Two following their promotion last year.

At this stage, they are guaranteed to finish in the top two in the league and have also reached the semi-finals of the cup competition once again.

Cherry’s contribution to local table tennis is huge. The teenager regularly assists at the weekly Saturday morning Weymouth youth coaching sessions and those for Budmouth girls.

She has proven to be an excellent role model for local girls taking up the sport and has shown that practice brings its rewards.

Once again, Cherry is grateful for the support of Budmouth in contributing towards the cost of the trip to Doncaster.

She would like to thank Weymouth youth coach Andy Millar and Neil Hardisty, who runs the Budmouth table tennis club, for their support and encouragement.