The older group of teenagers at Penallt Tennis Club held their tournament last Friday evening (4th October).

After two days of rain the courts were still wet, which made the balls heavy, but at least the weather was fine and mild and there was no wind.

There were 15 players and they all played four rounds of an American-style tournament, changing partners for each round and in the middle of each round.

Playing were James Ashford, Jake Coombes, Laura Peacock, Alexia and Arianna Guppy, Harri and Jamie Bell-Thomas, Olivia Farrington, Tom Morgan, Matt Jones, Guy Erro-Castillo, Dan Mills, Matt Handley, Flo Wallis-Smith and Milo Packham.

The overall standard of play was very impressive with many exciting and lengthy rallies. The tournament also gave them all valuable match experience.

Coach Adam Davis was pleased with the excellent sportsmanship. He also said that it was good to see a difficult game being well played by the youngsters.

"Matt Jones & Guy both served very well. Laura played steadily. Olivia's top spin forehands were impressive. Matt Jones was as competitive as ever and Arianna was steady and quick about the court," said Adam.

At the end of the evening the games were added up and Arianna came first with 23. Guy was second with 20, Dan Mills was third and the two Matts tied in fourth place.

Sunday afternoon saw 12 ladies on the courts for a ladies doubles tournament.

They remained with their partners for the whole afternoon and played against all the other pairs.

Everybody enjoyed the tennis and the perfect weather. The pairs were Anita Medora and Lynda Thornycroft, Cathie Blease and Alison O'Doherty, Steph Howell and Jutta Hadfield, Val Simeoni and Julia Gregson, Sue Dean and Fiona Creasey, and Lynne Morris and Rosie Adams.

At the end of the fourth round there were a lot of close scores and still everything to play for.

However, Steph and Jutta managed to pull through and finished on 25 games, Lynne and Rosie were second with 22 and Sue and Fiona a close third with 21.