WORCESTERSHIRE Virtue Empire’s under 16s team won gold at the Midland dodgeball junior tournament.

The under 13s side finished in third place at West Bromwich Leisure Centre.

Worcestershire’s under 16s started with a 10-0 victory over Walsall Warriors and then had a competitive 5-5 draw with Enderby Predators.

Virtue’s momentum was temporarily halted by a surprise 7-3 loss to Cannock MDL All-Stars.

But they still managed to qualify for the play-offs after defeating Walsall 8-2 in a rematch.

Virtue were up against one of the best junior teams in the country in Enderby in the final.

The game again finished 5-5 and both teams went into sudden death.

The team with the most remaining players on court after 60 seconds was declared the winner.

They were even until the 40-second mark when Virtue’s Jamie Hughes succeeded in a counter-attack, knocking Enderby down to three and securing victory.

“I am impressed with how the teams conducted themselves,” said Brian Williams, founder and head coach of the club.

“The loss to MDL All-Stars was disappointing but it turned into a positive thing because it motivated the team to win.

“It made them realise how much they wanted the gold and it made them step their game up.

“Honourable mentions go to Ethan Sin for keeping the team together and Luke Scarrott who played in both under 16s and under 13s games at short notice.

“Our under 16s are a solid unit.

“Our under 13s are still developing but are coming on really well.

“There are some promising pre-teens who will be nurtured into valuable players over the next 12 months.”

Joseph Beard, Henry Allen and William Allen also played.

Virtue run classes in Droitwich, Worcester, Bewdley and Kidderminster for people of all ages.

For more information contact Williams on 07935 747401.