Smashing time at Telford taster tennis

Around 40 players and over 100 parents were present at the Telford Tennis Centre in Oakengates.

A host of trophies were handed out by Simon Jones, from the Shropshire Lawn Tennis Association.

This Taster Tennis Scheme is in its third year and allows junior beginner players to make their first step into competition in a fun, fair and friendly environment.

Five clubs – Shifnal TC, High Ercall TC, Telford Tennis Centre, Telford Community TC and Boughey Gardens – came together to host and compete in timed matches.

The tournaments were expertly run by club organisers and the format is very simple for the children to understand.

Every year over 400 plus matches have been completed over four weekends. In each of our tournaments there were four qualifying players who were invited to finals day.

Sanisa Golar, from Shifnal Tennis Club, took the mini red (eight and under) event with James Price (Firstpoint) triumphing in the mini green (10 and under).

Daniel Hughes from High Ercall Tennis Club's Daniel Hughes was under-14 champion while Alistair Bussey (Shifnal Tennis Club) claimd the under-16 title, beating club-mate William Bird.

Scheme organiser Ian Gillespie said: "Huge thanks must go to the volunteers and umpires who have helped out over the last month to get these matches played in such difficult weather conditions.

"The finals day was the icing on the cake, as it was a pleasure to compete indoors at Telford Tennis Centre.

Also, it was greatly appreciated that Simon Jones from Shropshire LTA presented the prizes to all players."