Wimbledon fever hits Penarth (From Penarth Times)

Wimbledon fever hits Penarth

ON THE Friday that Rusedski unceremoniously defeated Andy Roddick on Centre Court, the junior members were out in force for the start of the Junior Championships at Penarth Lawn Tennis Club.

Obviously inspired by their various heroes and heroines the boys and girls turned up to play their part and try and win some trophies of their own.

The event had something of international flavour about it as several German exchange students turned up to watch some of their hosts who were playing in the doubles matches that evening. It was a fabulous sight to see the courts, grounds and clubhouse teeming with players, families and various supporters who had come to cheer on their local heroes.

Jo Penn had the unenviable task of trying to find all the right players for each match from amongst the milling throng gathered at the club, but she did a tremendous job and everyone was treated to a great night's tennis.

The U-12s and U-18s doubles finals were played that night under floodlights and the passion, anguish and determination shown there was every bit as real as that witnessed in Wimbledon earlier in the week.

The U-12s were first to take their places on Centre Court. Seasoned players Huw Morgan and Rhys Saunders (recently returned from Australia) taking on another experienced player, Rhys Elias and relative newcomer to team tennis, Adam Muse.

The tennis was superb, each boy giving their all, taking most games to deuce and keeping the spectators guessing as to who would be the eventual winners. At last, in a game fuelled by passion and determination, Huw and Penarth's answer to Leyton Hewitt, Rhys, took the upper hand and clinched the match in one of the closest fought matches of the week.

Meanwhile out on court one, favourites Rhys Morgan and Max Locke took on Tom Pegg and Joel Payne who was playing his first ever tennis tournament. Things looked to be going the way of the stronger pair, when Tom and Joel fought back to level the match at 3 all. Tom and Joel seemed to have found a winning formula, Joel based at the net ready to put away any ball that dared to come his way and Tom scampering around at the back. But Rhys and Max have several years experience and were not about to give any points away. All games seemed to go to deuce.

Rhys and Max sussed out the game plan and had Tom running from side to side trying to wear him out. Joel eventually put away a winning volley to win the match and his first ever tournament.

Everyone agreed it had been a fabulous night of tennis and would all be looking forward to the showcase singles finals on Saturday, July 20. The Wimbledon finals lunch is next Sunday, contact Vanessa Parselle for details.