On Tuesday, February 28, Sidmouth Tennis Club is holding an Open Night from 6.30- 8.30pm for prospective new members regardless of age or ability.

The club, which has just been awarded Club of the Year by Devon LTA, is situated in an unique position in the town with outstanding sea views, and sheltered playing facilities.

The latter include three floodlit all weather courts plus one grass court and a well- equipped clubhouse. Opportunities exist for League tennis throughout the year, coaching for adults and juniors, social events and a licensed bar in an amiable atmosphere.

Have you been thinking about getting back into tennis? Do you want your child to learn the game? Come and see what is on offer this Tuesday evening, a warm welcome awaits whatever the weather.

For further information visit www.sidmouthtennisclub.co.uk

Sidmouth Tennis Club mixed teams faced Kingsteignton twice in the space of two days last weekend.

The first was a closely contested home match under floodlights, the outcome being decided on sets, both sides having won two matches each.

The Sidmouth pairing of Mark Heywood and Debbie Snelgrove fought well to level the match but came off the worse in the final tie-break when the opposition gained several netcords to their advantage. The second mixed of Mary Dean and Peter Fung won convincingly in straight sets, as did the ladies in their doubles contest.

The men’s doubles also went to a championship tiebreak in which, again, the opposition proved too skilful. However, by virtue of winning two extra sets the overall result was 6-4 in Sidmouth’s favour.

The main feature of the return match last Sunday was ice packs and compression. Two ladies, one from each team sustained leg injuries during the first round of the mixed contests. This meant the ladies’ doubles could not be played and the second mixed could not be completed, which left the outcome dependent on one mixed and the men’s doubles.

Lesley Cranston and Mark Heywood won convincingly in straight sets with the injury to the opposition lady coming at the very end of the second set. Meanwhile, Vici Topping and Duncan Hall were struggling to get the better of their opponents when Vici, in her match debut, pulled up with a calf muscle injury and had to retire, to the pub, where she was given only a bag of ice for her efforts!

Plenty of medical attention was to hand with each side being able to proffer the services of a doctor. After all the drama Sidmouth men fought valiantly in the doubles but went down to their youthful opponents in two tight sets. The final score was 4-2 to Kingsteignton.

One final match in the Winter Mixed League remains and is due to be played the first weekend of March.

For further information go to www.sidmouthtennisclub.co.uk