Lane competed for the New England Zone team and his high quality of play and determination saw him selected from a field of the region’s best tennis players.

The trials had boys from 19 and under and this is the second year of selection for Angus.

Glen Innes High School sports coordinator Kirstie Fuller said Angus fights above his weight and she was not surprised by his success.

“This is a fantastic achievement for a year 9 student, but those who know Angus would not be surprised because he has so much determination to go with his obvious tennis skills,” she said.

“I am sure he will do very well at Parramatta.”

Lane himself was more circumspect about predicting success at the championships. 

“I feel good about being selected to play at the state championships, this region has a very strong tennis community and there is a lot of strong competition from the older players and I think mixing it with them will stand me in good stead for playing at a higher level,” he said.

“I went to state’s last year and hopefully I can improve on last year’s result.

“I’d like to aim for state or even national representative honours but being opens and playing against older boys I might just have to settle for winning a few games.”

Local tennis Coach Peter Cole said that Angus has been working hard on his game and should do well at the state championships.

“Angus has improved his game over the last 12 months, he has really worked hard at his serve and at his all-round tennis skills,” he said.

“He is focusing on his fitness which might well give him the edge he needs.”