IN the Mathon, Cradley & Storridge tennis finals last Saturday, a day of close matches saw three of the five finals end with similar scores, and a tie-break in four of them.

In the Ladies' singles, Jackie Styles got off to a slow start 1-4 down in each set, before establishing parity but eventually going down 6-3 6-4 to Ursula Mason. Phil Toghill successfully defended his Mens' singles title in a very tight match against club chairman Peter Flagg, winning 7-5 7-6.

The Ladies' doubles saw Tiggy Boak and Jean Roberts come from behind to take the first set tie-break and to hold on to the second set to edge out Sonja Sanderson and Anita Waites 7-6 7-5. In the Mens' doubles, Phil Toghill and Barrie Roberts stormed into a 4-1 lead only to see Duncan Hannaford and James Sommerville take the initiative and the next eight games. They recovered to 5-5 in the second set but could not prevent Duncan and James running out as 6-4 7-5 winners.

In the traditional finale, the Mixed doubles, some excellent tennis saw Jackie Styles and Chris Brandon-White take a very close match against Sonja Sanderson and Martyn Coomer 7-6 7-5 to end a fine day's tennis.

The next club event is an American Tournament on Sunday, October 3, 10am- 2pm.

Club coaching is underway on Monday evenings for U10s to adults. Winter membership is open to new members. Anyone interested should contact Pat Pugh on 01531 640682.