Merchant Taylors’ School hosted the largest ever European Open Wallball event last weekend with 114 entrants coming from as far as Canada to compete in the WPH UK Wallball Open.

More than 50 entrants competed in the youth categories of the tournament and 240 matches were played over the two days of competition.

There was a strong contingent from Watford Girls’ School, including sixth form student Eleanor Barrett, who finished second in the Girls Under-18 category.

All of the younger particpants were treated to a 45-minute masterclass from Men’s Open runner-up Luke Thomson, Men’s Open Champion Vlad Klym as well as Dutch internationals Miranda Sheffer and Hans Wassenaar.

UK Wallball President Daniel Grant, who lives in Pinner, and claimed third place in the Men’s Open, said: “I am so proud Northwood has been able to host such a fantastic event. In truth the youngsters made it.

“Their constant energy and enthusiasm throughout the weekend was so encouraging for the future of this sport.”

He added: “I hope that as the sport grows this will be a much more common scene throughout the country.”

Wallball is a fast but simple sport, where players compete against each other by hitting a ball against a wall with their hands, similar to ‘Eton Fives’.