Open tournament at Cheddar

CHEDDAR Tennis Club held its Grade 5 autumn open junior singles tournament over three days at half term, with 30 of the best boys from local counties competing in Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 age groups.

Eight of the boys were from the Cheddar club, a testament to the commitment of the club to junior tennis and the skill of its coaches.

The Under-12s were first up with a ratings event for players relatively new to tournaments and a rankings event run in parallel for more experienced players.

On day two it was the turn of the Under-16 to show their skills. Day three saw the Under-14s having to battle the elements as well as each other; the weather having changed from Indian summer to wild autumn over night. Despite a delayed start, two separate ranking events were run, with all matches completed on the day. The boys coped well with the blustery conditions, but most of their supporters chose to watch from the comfort of the clubhouse and enjoy the refreshments provided.

The club's next open junior tournament is a Grade 4 singles event for boys and girls aged Under-10s to Under-16, from February 18-21. Meantime there is plenty of club tennis in Cheddar for all ages and abilities. Contact club secretary Jennie Colton 01934 742703 for details.

Results of the boys' autumn open tournament: Under-12 ratings: Benjamin Procter (Wiltshire); Lewie Woods (Somerset); Eli Clements (Somerset). Under-12 rankings: James Edwards (Somerset); Callum Montgomery (Avon); Louie Shaw (Avon); Thomas Davies (Monmouthshire). Under-14 rankings: Lewis Taylor (Avon); Edward Giles (Wiltshire); Rohan Gardner (Somerset) 3; Henry Van Der Hoest (Avon). Under 14 rankings: Matthew Alexander (Somerset); Robert Horler (Somerset); Jack Hugh (Somerset); William May (Somerset). Under 16 rankings: Max Charman (Wiltshire); James Knight (Somerset); Alex Blake (Somerset); Dudley Patience (Somerset).