TAVISTOCK mixed tennis team made club history by winning the Plymouth and District Knockout Cup for the first time.
Tavistock secured an easy win against Russell Avenue and beat a strong Mannamead team, after a marathon tussle.
The final was played at Tavistock, against Devonshire. Devonshire put up a good fight, but were ultimately outclassed by the consistent play and experience of the Tavistock side.
The victorious team consisted of men, Linden Hardisty, Josh Brown, Simon Prout, Phil Harbottle, and Tony Du Gay, with ladies Alice Anstee, Sarah Lucas, Roma McMahon and Sue Parsons.
Tavistock Men have won the top division for the first time. The team - Josh Brown, now number four in Devon, former junior county player Simon Prout, old hands Phil Ruse, Phil Harbottle, Tony Du Gay and junior Luke Wakeley, were led into battle by veterans GB player, Linden Hardisty, thus fielding some of the strongest players in the region.
The team suffered not one defeat all season, also a significant achievement. Notable wins included Mannamead and Devonshire, with a final victory against Ivybridge. The team will now go on to represent the region at the Devon finals. This is a tremendous achievement, particularly since the two big indoor centres of Devonshire and Ivybridge have a greater number of players and facilities at their disposal, clearly emphasizing how Tavistock Tennis Club is going from strength to strength, and demonstrates the community's commitment to its local club. Linden Hardisty would like to thank all the teams and supporters, and particularly Phil Harbottle for his meticulous organization of the teams.
In the Ladies League Tavistock's Ladies A team (Roma McMahon, Sue Parsons, Sarah Lucas and Alice Anstee) was presented with the merit award for outstanding performance by Dave Williams, chairman of the Plymouth and District League for coming first in their Division with 69 points. The team has been promoted to division one.
The Ladies B team (Olga Rogers, Trish Mowle, Alison West, Wendy George, Rebecca Hillier, Liz Webb and Jackie Kates) came third in, and will remain in division four.
Alice Anstee, in her first and successful year as ladies' captain would like to thank all the ladies who gave up so much of their time to play in the leagues.
The children's programme is expanding, and Tavistock will be hosting the prestigious, LTA sanctioned 2009 Junior Tennis Tournament over two weekends, September 12/13 and 19/20. Juniors travel from many counties to take part in this event. More details from Barbara Watson Tel. 613496.
Resident coach Linden Hardisty is available for individual coaching. Group beginners and improvers classes take place twice a week. There is also a Ladies coaching session on a Wednesday evening. Players of a reasonable standard are welcome to join in club sessions.. For more information contact Linden on 610846 or see the club website tavistock.org.uk