ALEX Waterhouse (pictured right) has returned from Ireland where he defended his Irish Senior Lead Climbing title, winning the championships for a second year.

The 20-strong field produced good performances and the final saw the closest finish possible.

In the qualifying rounds Alex topped both his routes and went into the final tied in first place.

In a tense final both climbers reached the finishing hold, but neither was able to hold it and the winner was eventually decided on time.

The Devonport High School student has also had some impressive results in his age category recently, winning this year's Welsh Lead Climbing Championships in November, and finishing runner up in the British Championships. He also made the semi-finals in the World Youth Championships held in Canada in August, eventually finishing 24th.

The focus now turns to next year, with the first round of the Junior British Bouldering Championships and a Lead Youth Open, which are held in Sheffield in December.