Kilhams, who retained the club's men's senior tennis title last
season and plays for Chichester's men's first team, is a member of the LTA's Ace Tennis programme at Falmer.

The cup was held at the indoor tennis centre in Sheffield. Sussex had an under-strength squad because of international commitments, but had good strength in depth.

The first tie was against Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and Kilhams gave the side a great start with a 6-4, 7-6 win over a higher-rated opponent. This set the tone and inspired the other singles players.

Kilhams, with partner Ben Blackwell, won their doubles match with an 11-9 match tie-break in the third.

Sussex, having conceded one doubles match because of injury, ran out the tie in impressive form, winning 7-2 overall.

Next up were Yorkshire, who proved tough opponents.

Kilhams lost his singles 2-6, 3-6 against another higher-rated player, but with Jarryd Bant, he stormed back to win the doubles 6-2, 6-0. Sussex lost 5-4.

On the final day, two of the squad reported for duty carrying heavy injuries and this proved Sussex's undoing.

With one win and one loss, a 6-3 win over Nottinghamshire was needed for promotion to division one and Kilhams again rose to the challenge.

He gave his best performance of the weekend and defeated another higher-rated player 6-3, 6-1.

With two of the team unable to complete their matches, Sussex lost 5-4 to finish third in the league.

Kilhams gave a solid performance and was extremely pleased to have won four of his five matches.

He is still eligible to play for two more years at this top-level county event.