New junior event at Rectory Road (From Penarth Times)

New junior event at Rectory Road

THIS YEAR the juniors at Penarth Lawn Tennis Club had a new trophy to compete for. The committee decided to introduce the new trophy for the many juniors who were just too old to compete in the U-12s championship, and maybe a little too young to stand a chance of winning the U-18s event.

Chairman, Alun Morgan said: "There has been a tremendous increase in the number of teenage boys wanting to play tennis this year, and we wanted to encourage them and give them a chance to compete on as many levels as possible.

"We decided to introduce an U-14s Championship event and a Plate tournament and this has been one of our most keenly contested events so far this season. It has been a great success."

In the semi-finals, David Haines, who has improved consistently, was unlucky to come across an on-form Rhys Elias. Likewise Joel Payne could not find his U-18s double winning form when he faced Max Locke.

In the final Max came out with the big shots when needed and became the first winner of the new trophy.

The new Plate event was fought over just as keenly with Matthew Sutton giving an inspired performance to overcome Stuart Clarke, and Jacob Cozens using all his skills to deny Chris Lewis a chance at another title.

An incredibly close final was decided on a tie-break with Matthew edging home 12-10. Details of the U-18s girls and boys championships soon.