NICK Evans and Mike Rakosi defeated Toby Sidall and Dean Cope, 1-6, 7-5, 6-0, in the final of Weston Tennis Club’s men’s doubles tournament completed under floodlights.

NICK Evans and Mike Rakosi defeated Toby Sidall and Dean Cope, 1-6, 7-5, 6-0, in the final of Weston Tennis Club’s men’s doubles tournament completed under floodlights.

Sidall and Cope got off to a storming start by taking the first set 6-1 aided by a stream of scintillating double-handed backhand winners from an in-form Sidall and solid support from Cope.

With Rakosi struggling to hold serve, it looked destined to be a one-sided match. However, the poor first set galvanized Evans and Rakosi who gained the upper-hand with some sharp volleying in the second set to take it 7-5.

After levelling at one set all, Evans and Rakosi had the momentum with them and, with a demoralised Cope seemingly resigned to defeat, the match ended with a decisive 6-0 final set.

This match concluded the annual tournaments and the club is thankful to Cope for his efficient organisation of the events. Competitive tennis continues throughout the autumn and winter in the form of singles box ladders, with Evans taking the summer top position.

Match practice nights and general club and coaching sessions also continue at weekends, daytimes and some evenings under floodlights.

All four of the men’s doubles final participants featured in a successful league season campaign for Weston with both the A and B teams clinching promotion into Division 2 of the North Somerset League.

With Weston Tennis Club having five men’s and two ladies teams in the league, the club is keen to recruit some additional league players for next season.

Significantly reduced membership rates are offered for new members who join during the autumn and winter.

Anyone interested in joining or participating in coaching sessions should contact Bob Wilson on 01934 628070 or Nick Evans on 01934 316241.