KENT and England Under-19 cricketer Sam Northeast narrowly missed out on his quest to become National Schools Rackets Champion at The Queen’s Club in London.

The Harrow School pupil and Kent Cricket Academy Scholar went into the Foster Cup public schools singles event as No1 seed and duly sailed through to the final.

The 17-year-old, who is a former Colts National Champion, beat Harrow’s Glenn Querl, a Zimbabwean Under-19 cricketer, 15-12, 15-3, 6-15, 15-6 in round one and then overcame Sam Hawkesley of Rugby School 15-8, 15-8, 15-4 in Wednesday’s quarter final.

In the semi-final Northeast swept aside fourth seed Christopher Stefanowicz from Eton 15-3, 5-15, 15-12, 15-12 only to lose a hard-hitting final to third seed Will Hopton from Eton.

Hopton took the first two games comfortably 15-3, 15-6, then Northeast hit back, recovering from 9-1 down to take the third game 17-14.

The player from Walmer near deal then led 11-1 in game four and had a game point at 14, only for Hompron to hit back by taking the game and the title 17-15.

Northeast will now concentrate on training with England’s Young Elite squad in Loughborough before touring Malaysia with England Under-19 from January 24.