Tennis season ends on a high note (From Penarth Times)

Tennis season ends on a high note

THE JUNIORS at Dinas Powys Tennis Club ended their season with an invitational 21-and-under tournament at the club. Many of these 'older juniors' made a special trip home from their universities to participate in this popular event.

For the first time, a boys' singles and doubles event was introduced, as well as mixed pairs. Play started with the boys' singles divided into two sections in a round robin format.

Following some very competitive tennis, Rhodri Morgan and Eric Brodbin qualified to the section one final, while Huw Davies and Hugo Beer were finalists in section two.

Hugo, a reluctant entry to the singles, played some of his best tennis of the season, winning the section two final six games to one.

The section one final between Eric and Rhodri was a much closer contest. Rhodri took an early advantage in this clash of the big hitters, but Eric fought his way back with some Andy Roddick-style serving.

A tie-break was the only way this one was going to be sorted. Eric just had the edge this time, winning by seven points to five.

With lunch approaching, play was suspended temporarily to allow Margaret Hayley to present the Sue Thomas Salver to the Most Deserving Junior. This year, this prestigious award was given to Claire Bevan, the girls' vice captain, for her success in the junior and senior teams, and her assistance with junior events throughout the season.

A splendid lunch of curries and pizza was just the right fuel needed for an afternoon of fun mixed and boys' doubles.

The boys' doubles final was won by Alex Bryant and Tom Walbyoff, six games to one, against Hugo Beer and Ben Coates.

The mixed doubles final, as with the 'senior' boys' final, was also a very close match. Eric Brodbin, partnering Claire Bevan, was matched against Rhodri Morgan and Diana Pugh. Rhodri and Di took an early advantage, only for Eric and Claire to claw their way back. Another tie-break was needed to decide the winner. Rhodri and Di just had the more experience this time, winning seven points to five.

Special thanks were paid to Mrs Pat Welch who organised the food, and to Jo Baston, Julie Collins, Freda Emery, Fiona Elliman, Rose Bevan and Jenny Hignett for their help on the day.

Although the junior committee will be taking a break during the winter, Rob Walbyoff, club coach, is running courses to suit all ages and abilities. For details, telephone 07931 665431.