THE Tavistock Tennis Club annual presentation of awards ceremony took place for the 2004 Wilson Plymouth and District Tennis League competitions at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth, on September 23.

David Williams, secretary to the league, reported that 16 clubs had participated in the seniors events and it had been a good year despite some inclement weather.

There had been a heavy programme of matches with 42 men?s teams and 30 ladies with some of a high standard of play and close results. There had been some problems in interpreting the rules regarding attendance times where a late team or pair had to forfeit a set or match and he asked match captains to ensure players are aware of the rules.

He expressed thanks for all those who worked so hard with the organisation of matches and the participants, and thanked those clubs who had donated towards the merit awards.

League secretary for juniors Peter Sherlock said they had a good year with 18 teams playing in some hard fought matches.

There had been some problems in turning out teams and isolated instances of bad behaviour which needed to be addressed.

He emphasised the importance of juniors for the future of the game and asked clubs to encourage recruitment. He thanked all those who had helped with the juniors and Tony Pryce Sports who had sponsored the juniors? competition.

Trophies were presented by: Mary Bayliss, Plymouth LTA, Steve Hitch, chairman PD&L, Ashley Scott, vice chairman and Tony Moult, chairman Plympton club.

The Tavistock Club had a good year overall and received men?s trophies for the A team runner-up in Div 1, B team as winners of Div 2 promoted to Div 1 and the C and D teams as runner-up in Divs 4 and 6 promoted to Divs 3 and 5 respectively.

The ladies received trophies for the B team as runner up in Div 4 promoted to Div 3. The juniors received trophies for the A team as runner up in Div 1 and the C team as winners of Div 4 promoted to Div 3.

Phil Harbottle and Bernard Mowle received a merit award as outstanding pair in the men?s B team. Phil also received a prize for running both men?s and ladies? teams.

There was a special award of a glass salver for Iris Buckler in recognition of her dedicated service to the PD&L for many years. Steve Hitch in the closing speech thanked David Williams for all he does in running the seniors, Peter Sherlock in running the juniors, Mary Bayliss who organises and runs many large junior tournaments through the year and his own committee.

He was concerned about problems some clubs have in forming committees and the older generation running them and encouraged clubs to bring in new blood for continuity.

Tavistock recent friendly matches: won 7-1 MXDs away v Chagford. Tavistock players: Anne/Alan Bruce and Babette/John Jackson. Lost 1-3 LDs at home in a curtailed match due weather v Okehampton. Tavistock players: Pat Warne, Jane Colegate, Barbara Chalk and Jenny Read. Won 5-3 MXDs away v Launceston. Tavistock players: Sue Parsons/Bernard Mowle and Barbara/David Chalk.