THE Hampshire under-21 badminton team has made it to the national finals, taking place today.

Having beaten Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire home and away in the preliminary stages, the county representatives are now down to the final four.

The eight-strong Hampshire team will compete in singles and mixed doubles events against the other finalists, Lancashire, Avon and Lincolnshire.

This is the third year in a row that Hampshire has made it to the final stages and they will be hoping to make it third time lucky.

The Under-21's team manager, Matt Pascoe, is optimistic of their chances. "We have a very good team this year and a good chance in the competition," he said.

The Hampshire team is: Charmane Webb, Annie Avison, Vicky Hallett, Alex Horan, Dave Anderson, Dave Chartres, Steve Purkiss, Richard Walcate.