In conditions veering between summer sunshine and winter rain showers almost on an hourly basis, 20 men and 20 women joined forces to compete for a position in the Mixed Doubles' final at Sidmouth Tennis Club next week.
The 40 players, divided into six groups, played in hotly competitive round robin format to decide semi-final positions, it was the experienced Greg Shipp and Marjory Anne Bromhead who proved too strong for energetic and promising young newcomer Jonathan Turney and Vici Topping to bag their place in the final.
In the other semi-final, with some super rallies and skills on show, Viv Bess and Mike Sutton succumbed to the young talent that is Jess Wiltshire and her partner Bob Hefill.
If that wasn't excitement enough for the weekend, Sunday afternoon also saw two finals being played due to some competitors not being available next week.
First up was the "Rusties" final involving those who have only recently begun to play or who have had time out from the game.
Becky Bess and Matt Powell took on Andrew Torjussen and Netty Eaton in an entertaining match, the first set went narrowly to Becky and Matt 7-5. After losing such a close set, it's always hard to come back when the other pair are buzzing with confidence and this was the case as Becky and Matt clinched the championship with a 6-3 second set.
In the Men's Doubles, the skilful and experienced Spaniard Guillermo Rodriguez teaming up with Gez Lovell against the talented Jed Ionov-Flint and Hugh Fitzgerald.
Jed and Hugh got off to a great start with hard top spins and deft net play being the order of the day. However, Guillermo and Gez would not be deterred fighting back with some equally clever shot selection to take the second set 6-4.
And so to the Championship Tie break and the match was finely balanced but it was Guillermo and Gez, who finally won through taking the tie 11-9 and with it the championship.
It was a terrific weekend of tennis, organised and run by head coach Sue Wiltshire and her team, which even the fluctuating weather couldn't dampen.

Sidmouth Herald: David Watkins smashing itDavid Watkins smashing it (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Semi finalists Vici Topping, Jonathan Turney with winners Marjory Anne Bromhead and Greg ShippSemi finalists Vici Topping, Jonathan Turney with winners Marjory Anne Bromhead and Greg Shipp (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Gez Lovell Men’s Doubles winnerGez Lovell Men’s Doubles winner (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Jed Ionov Flint Men’s finalistJed Ionov Flint Men’s finalist (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Jess Wiltshire serving up a treat with partner Bob Hefill on way to Finals’ DayJess Wiltshire serving up a treat with partner Bob Hefill on way to Finals’ Day (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Winners of the semi final Bob Hefill and Jess Wiltshire with Viv Bess and Mike SuttonWinners of the semi final Bob Hefill and Jess Wiltshire with Viv Bess and Mike Sutton (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Jed Ionov Flint and Hugh Fitzgerald runners up in Men’s Doubles .Jed Ionov Flint and Hugh Fitzgerald runners up in Men’s Doubles . (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Becky Bess and Matt Powell winners of the Rusties trophyBecky Bess and Matt Powell winners of the Rusties trophy (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Guillermo Rodriquez and Gez Lovell winners of the Men’s DoublesGuillermo Rodriquez and Gez Lovell winners of the Men’s Doubles (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Men’s Finalists: runners up Hugh Fitzgerald and Jed Ionov Flint and winners Guillermo Rodriquez and Gez LovellMen’s Finalists: runners up Hugh Fitzgerald and Jed Ionov Flint and winners Guillermo Rodriquez and Gez Lovell (Image: STC)

Sidmouth Herald: Jenny Parry gently volleyingJenny Parry gently volleying (Image: STC)