RYAN Peniston finished runner-up at the prestigious Aegon British Junior National Championships.

The south Essex player lost a hard-fought boys’ under-18s singles final 6-4, 6-2 against Sam Butler at the Nottingham Tennis Centre.

The tournament is a showcase for the best British junior talent and 17-year-old Peniston enjoyed a fine run of form on his way to the final, which in past years has been contested by Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and former British number one Elena Baltacha.

Peniston, who grew up in Great Wakering and was a former member at Garon Tennis Academy, had been in fine form all week on his way to the final, losing just 11 games in four matches.

But he got off to a bad start against Butler, going 3-0 down in the first set and was never able to properly recover.

However, some stunning rallies with Butler gave a good account of the talent Peniston possesses.

And with a wildcard entry at a professional ITF event in Wrexham next week to come, there is plenty for him to take away.

“It didn’t go great in the final,” said Peniston.

“I didn’t start off very well going 3-0 behind and it let him get on top early, which made it really hard for me to get back into the game.

“But it has been a good week and I think I have played pretty well.

“It is just disappointing to go out in that fashion because I think that is it for me in juniors as I will be looking to play pro ITFs now.

“But I’m looking forward to it and I have got an ITF in Wrexham next week so I will be straight back into things which will be good for me.”

Tournament director Richard Joyner added: “A massive congratulations goes to Ryan for making it to the final of the Aegon British Junior National Championships.

“Ryan played outstanding tennis all week and showed the talent and the mentality to beat some of the very best British junior players on route to the final, which was a major achievement in itself.”