A team of table tennis players from Whitgift School have successfully defended their under-19 boys’ title at the Butterfly School Team Championships.

The squad of James Smith, George Hazell, Reiss Vydelingum and Jason Kwok dropped just the one match on route to the title.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing.

At two sets down against Carlton Le Willows, Kwok prevailed in a 12-10 thriller, leaving the door oven for Smith to finish it off in the decider.

He did just that, getting the win 11-5.

Hazell was delighted by the full team effort it took to go back to back.

“It’s a brilliant moment and good to retain the title," he said.

"We were confident of winning but there were some tough matches and you still have to respect the people you are up against – and I think we did that.”