Mixed doubles at Burnham

THIRTEEN Avenue Tennis Club members played for the Jan Mackay Memorial Trophy, despite forecasts of gale force winds and rain.

The tournament took place in almost brilliant sunshine, which in itself posed a problem for the players playing into the low sun.

The tournament format saw the ladies potentially having a different partner for the four championship tie breaks they played. This ended up with ladies' captain Lynn O'Dell and new lady member Susan Parsons as the highest scoring ladies together with father and son Colin and Sam Stead in the men.

The pairing of Lynn and Colin against Susan and Sam led to a close and exciting match which saw the experience of Lynn and Colin win through 6-4. The other final matches saw head coach Vinny Duddy and another new lady member Carrie Vohra beat his daughter Heather and Alan Galloway to take third place (6-3), however bragging rights in the Duddy household go to Heather who aced her dad. The final match was between club coach Barry Ramsden and junior Jessica Griffiths beat junior Alex Stead and Steve Perry 7-5.

The trophies were presented to the winners by Hugh Mackay who thanked the players for attending and playing. A final presentation was made to the best junior Sam Stead. Head coach Vinny said it is really great to see the other Avenue Academy Juniors Alex Stead, Jessica Griffith and Heather Duddy competing with the adults and holding their own.

A Christmas family lunch will be held on Sunday, November 29, from 12.30pm with adults costing �10 and Under-10s �7. If you wish to come then please contact Poo Jenkins on 01278 783396 or put your name and numbers required on the list in the club foyer.

The junior members' Christmas disco has been organised for Friday, December 18, from 6 until 9pm with fun games and prizes available.

Details of these events and tennis coaching courses held at the Avenue Tennis Club can be obtained from the office on 01278 782758 or from the club website www.avenuetennis.com