All first time champions (From Penarth Times)

All first time champions

THERE ARE new names on the trophies for the Penarth Lawn Tennis Club Handicap Tournament this year. The juniors were out in force eager to either regain their trophies or to get their hands on one for the first time.

Alex Robertson and Josh Cozens were the finalists in the U-9s tournament. They had never met in a final before and put every effort into the match.

Josh trying to emulate the skills and enthusiasm of his hero Lleyton Hewett and Alex being super cool like Bjorn Borg from days before they were both born. Try as he may though Josh could not quite find the extra touch to beat Alex and the older boy claimed the trophy for the first time.

The girls U-12 final was contested by Sarah Flook who had yet to win a trophy and Victoria Radford who was keen to follow in her dad's footsteps and win a cup of her own. The girls had met several times before and Victoria knew that Sarah was determined to win, but with the handicapping in Victoria's favour she knew she had a chance. Sarah looked to be getting the upper hand as she romped to a 4-1 lead, but

Victoria pulled out all the stops and turning the tables went on to seize the match and add another trophy to the Radford household collection.

The boys U-12 final was a fiercely fought battle between reigning champion Tom Pegg and newcomer to the club Michael Hooper. Tom had just managed to qualify for this event and was hoping to regain this title for the last time but Michael was hungry for the challenge. The boys play most weeks when every match is a close run thing but with the handicapping Tom was -15 and -30 every alternate game so it was going to be an uphill struggle.

Michael edged ahead but the spectators were used to Tom making a comeback and he did, but Michael managed to hold on to his lead and deprive Tom of the trophy for the last time.

These two also managed to fight their way into the final of the U-18s tournament. Would Tom get his revenge or would Michael go home with both trophies. Keep reading the Penarth Times for the result.