WEST Kirby Hawks held off the sustained challenge of Wessex Exempt to lift the Wilson Team Racing Trophy for the third time in seven years.

West Kirby Sailing Club's prestigious event on the Marine Lake lived up to expectations with some terrific competition.

The Hawks and Wessex were clearly the best teams and a tense last stage could have gone either way.

The Hawks built up a 2-1 advantage in the best of five final and a 1,2 finish in race four ensured success.

Both finalists could have a major say in the World Team Racing Championship which will be staged at Rutland in July when the overseas challenge will be considerable.

A total of twenty eight teams took part in Firefly dinghies and the crews had to contend with varying conditions.

It was sometimes wet, it was sometimes windy and it was sometimes sunny but the racing always remained close and interesting.

Officials had to call for reduced sails when the wind was at its strongest to cut the chance of damage but did well to complete well in excess of 300 races over the three days.

West Kirby Hawks who last claimed the Wilson Trophy in 2012 headed the table at the end of the round robin series with nineteen wins.

Wessex Exiles who lifted the trophy in 2013 were next with sixteen wins followed by Royal Dee and Yale Corinthian with fourteen successes.

Bristol University, holders Royal Forth Hoosiers and the National Firefly Association with thirteen victories and Itchenor with twelve also qualified for the knock-out stages.

There were quarter final wins for Wessex Exempt over the National Firefly Association, Royal Dee against Royal Forth Hoosiers, Yale Corinthian at the expense of Bristol University and West Kirby Hawks against Itchenor.

The semi-finals went to form with wins for Wessex and the Hawks to set up a dream last stage in perfect conditions.