TENNIS: NANTWICH Tennis Club's annual junior tournament attracted record numbers as the club's youth section continues to strengthen.

More than 50 youngsters, aged seven to 16, entered the week-long knockout at the club's base off Middle-wich Road. The event was split into Under 10, U12, U14 and U16 age groups, with tournaments for boys and girls running simultaneously.

Club coach Nicola Herbert said: 'For the last four years, the club has increased its junior membership and playing ability significantly and the excellent matchplay this year was no exception.

'Even before finals day, some of the matches were thrilling to watch, with great determination and enthusiasm.

'The weather conditions were perfect and a lot of parents and club supporters turned out to watch.'

Nicola added that she was pleased to see some new faces make it to the finals, held on Sunday, September 18.

One remarkable feature of the last day was that all eight finals, played over the best of three sets, were won by a 2-0 scoreline.

In the U16s section, James Ellwood emerged victorious after beating Sam Groves 6-1, 6-3, while Kirsten Maechtig won the girls' crown as she saw off Charlotte Tomlinson 6-0, 6-4.

Theo Dennis was star boy in the U14s, stopping a Maechtig family double as he beat Kirsten's younger brother Steffen 6-3, 6-2 to claim the trophy, and Megan Sloan beat Annabel Tomlinson 6-3, 6-3 in the girls' final.

The U12 boys section was comfortably won by Alex Denby as he overcame Oliver Moore 6-0, 6-1, the same scoreline by which Hollie Chapman triumphed over Rebecca Holman in the girls' match.

Mark Ellwood had to fight hard to beat Tom Robins 7-6, 7-5 in the boys' U12 final, but Ashlee Prince had an easier time against Isabel Moss in the girls', winning 6-1, 6-0.