Penarth's answer to Venus and Serena! (From Penarth Times)

Penarth's answer to Venus and Serena!

PENARTH'S own Williams sisters, Rebecca and Katie, had swept aside all opposition on their way to the final of the U18 Girls Handicap tournament at Rectory Road.

Rebecca had recently lost to Anna Symonds in the Club Championships and was keen to get her hands on this trophy, but Katie, who has made tremendous improvement this year, wanted to take the trophy home herself.

No one who was watching that day could have accused the girls of deciding the outcome before the start of the match, as the rumours surrounding their famous namesakes sometimes insinuate.

These girls both wanted to win and their tennis was inspired. Katie's form en route to the final had been faultless but confronted by her elder sister, a few unforced errors crept into her game and with one crucial break of serve, Rebecca took the title and with it the trophy.

The U18 Boys Handicap final was a repeat of the U12s Handicap, in which Michael Hooper and Tom Pegg battled for the title.

That time Michael came out on top and the crowds were eagerly awaiting another epic final.

It looked as though things were going Michael's way again as Tom served to stay in the set at 1.5 down.

The "Come Back Kid" had failed to live up to his title in the last match and everyone was wondering if Tom had met his match.

Nothing could have been further from Tom's mind and in a feat of endurance he went on to take the first set 8.6.

The second set was a display of extraordinary talent and perseverance as each boy matched the other shot for shot.

At 8 all in the second set, both lads were literally flat out on the courts as they lay down to collect their breath.

The match had already been going for over three hours and a third set could easily have been on the cards, but somehow from somewhere, Tom dug deep and managed to get those vital points to take the second and final set 10.8.

The Club has now introduced a Saturday Club, where these and other talented youngsters will be able to play competitive tennis with some of the senior members.

If you are interested, come along this Saturday between 5pm and 8pm. For further details contact Chrissie Pegg on 2070 6897.