Brighton College will represent Sussex in two age groups in the regional rounds of the National Schools Championships.

They qualified at the county finals involving more than 400 players at Brighton University's Falmer site and Hurstpierpoint College.

It is the second time in three years two teams have gone through from Brighton College. The under-14s and under-19s were successful 1999.

Jane Langhorne, head of girls' sport, said: "We are fanatical about our netball. We have virtually the same squads who have developed from the previous age group. Everybody is dedicated and we have strength in depth.

"Now we will train very hard together for the regionals."

Brighton College won the under-19s play-off against Hurstpierpoint College 9-7 at Falmer after finishing second in their section. The under-16s topped their section and defeated Imberhorne (East Grinstead) in the deciding match.

Brighton College Under-16s: Katy Rogers, Scarlett Buer, Lucy Wright, Sophie Spells, Sophie Nurse, Nicola Corrigan, Anita Dhillon, Allana Austin.

Brighton College Under-19s: Grace Clark, Hannah Lowe, Gemma Sewell, Emily Nelson, Kate Oakenfold, Helen Tibbott, Loren O'Dair, Katie Williams, Melissa Harrison, Jenna Smith.

Roedean under-19s joined Brighton College.

They added a touch of Scottish colour to the tournament as they qualified to meet Kent, Middlesex and Surrey. The girls were dressed in the blue and grey colours of the Balmoral clan. Coach Alison Goulet said: "I picked out the tartan so our girls would stand out."

Roedean's cosmopolitan blend of youngsters from the Far East, Africa and Sussex defeated Imberhorne in the play-offs after finishing runners-up in their section.

Roedean School: Alex Thompson, Bow Phataraprasit, Emma Bristow, Jackie Wilson, Ruth Jones, Anana Nwuba, Valerie Juniat, Sara James, Zara Deribe.

Burgess Hill for Girls qualified at under-16s.

They were second to Brighton College on goal difference in their section before overcoming Imberhorne (East Grinstead) to secure a return to Falmer.

The same side made it through at under-14s two years ago.

Coach Liz Laybourn said: "We were hoping they would get through but it was tough going. The fact every player has progressed from under-14s helped because they have developed together."

Burgess Hill Schools for Girls: Rosie Walkington, Georgina Lucy, Danielle Sansom, Ellie Robinson, Fliss Paul, Sophie Blackmur, Laura Coughlan, Sophie Banham.

Downlands (Hassocks) will be the only state school to represent Sussex in the regional round after qualifying at under-14.

Coach Jo Brewington said: "It is the first time Downlands have got through and we are all thrilled.

"It is one up for the state schools because only four of us took part in the whole event.

"It can be difficult for state schools because fee-paying schools have more time and specialised staff to develop their netball.

"Only two of my players are involved in a club outside of school so it says a lot about my players that they rose to the challenge.

"They were determined, calm and competitive. They had to be because some of the games were very tight."

Downlands pipped Roedean 8-7 in their deciding match at Hurstpierpoint College after overcoming Burgess Hill for Girls 8-6 following a second place finish in their section.

They will be joined by The Towers (Upper Beeding) who are unbeaten for six months. The Towers topped their section before defeating Farlington (Horsham) 10-5 and Millais (Horsham) 13-7.

Coach Elaine Goldsmith said: "Our unbeaten record covers about 30 to 40 games and I am very proud of them."

Downlands: Natalie Lewis, Hannah Morley, Francesca Hewison, Rebekah Turner, Hannah Crosbie, Jessica Yeates, Shazia Zaman.

The Towers: Louisa Vasseghie, Nana Totoe, Charlotte Palmer, Victoria Noble, Becky Spells, Candice Payne, Fiona Bailey, Nadine Kenney.

The South East Region finals will be held at Falmer on January 26.