PENARTH Windsor Lawn Tennis Club enjoyed another busy day on Saturday with the finals of the handicap matches.

Having started back in March, when 128 named players took part in the first round, this ever popular knockout event came down to five finals.

The club once again put on an excellent display, with teas and cakes for the large number of spectators, and as the day progressed, bright sunshine gave the club an almost Wimbledon-like feel.

First up were the singles finals and, proving there is an excellent crop of juniors coming through the coaching system at Windsor, Emma Thomas beat Beth Hughes in the ladies' final in a long and tense match.

On the adjacent court, two top quality men's second team players, Luke Catterson and Guy Bradley, were enjoying a close battle. As the two players normally form a regular doubles partnership, it was strange to see them on opposite sides of the net, with Luke just edging the win.

After a short tea break it was time for the doubles, with court 1 hosting the ladies. Another product of the youth academy Seren Marsh was hitting some great double-handed backhand top spins and, with partner Linda Ellis, put up a great display, but eventually lost out to winners Elaine Newton and Julie Saville.

Court 2 was simultaneously hosting the men's doubles and, after a short break, Luke Catterson was back on court with former club chairman and doubles partner Pete Bellingham. In a tense match, with some fine tennis, they lost out to this year's champions, Martin Rogers and John Adamson.

Meanwhile the show court hosted the mixed doubles final. New member Michelle de Villiers justified her position as a first team player and with partner Mike Dunn, won a thrilling and entertaining match against Alison Ray and Gareth Griffiths to be crowned this year's handicap winners.

Club chairman Jason Richards said: "It's great to see tennis thriving at Penarth Windsor. We have a large and strong membership, nine teams in the the summer inter-club competition and a very active social scene with club nights starting again this Friday.

"Despite the growing activity levels, with eight courts to choose from, members can always find a spare court."