THE only thing hotter at Tavistock Tennis Club’s finals’ day than the weather was the tennis.

The mixed double featured Julie Wigmore along side her partner the veteran Phil Harbottle but in spite of their best efforts with guile and craft they succumbed to the raw power of Luke Wakely and Kirsty Jenkins. In the men’s doubles Gordon Hilborn and Simon Church played with some clean hitting but were eventually second to Kevan Siemonsma and Peter Rodgers.

In the ladies’ singles Hilary Picton fought tooth and nail to overcome arch rival and doubles partner Frances Lindsay. Frances had a small hiccup in the second set before her smooth ground strokes told and she took the title.

The men’s singles went on and on and on. It became a battle not only of high skill and power but under a surprisingly strong September sun attrition as well. Peter Bradley, a multi champion holder, won a tight first set before Luke Wakely hit back in the second. Luke managed to win the deciding set and take the crown. The ladies’ doubles will be played on another date .

In the girls’ final there was some sparkling play with both players charging all over the court to defend and hit great winners. Olivia Clark triumphed over a gallant performance by Sienna Critchley. Lewis Critchley featured in the boys’ final against Jo Rizk with not much could separate them with both players but in the end Jo was the well earned victor.