RADIPOLE put in an impressive performance to take the Pengilly Cup after a gap of three years.
For the eight teams of mini-tennis players from Weymouth primary schools, there was plenty of excitement and nail-biting finishes at the annual competition.
Now in its eighth year, this popular event attracted more than 40 children from Year Three and below, many of whom had played little or no tennis before.
A variety of activities were on offer – singles and doubles matches, beat the coach, complete the quiz – and all were an opportunity for the children to score points for their school.
After three hours of non-stop activity, the holders St Andrew’s faced Chickerell, who were playing for the first time, in one semi-final with two teams from Radipole in the other. After some tense matches, Chickerell just squeezed past St Andrew’s on points difference to face the impressive Radipole Racers who had not dropped a game in getting to the final.
Despite a spirited performance from rapidly improving Chickerell number one Jamie Blair, Radipole kept their 100 per cent record and were thrilled to take the cup back to their school.
Coach Julien Lawes was delighted to see many of his school players competing.
He said: “From hitting balls in the playground, the children have quickly developed their tennis skills and improved enormously as the tournament progressed. “They all wanted to do their best for their team.”
All competitors received a prize and an invitation to join the junior coaching sessions at Weymouth Tennis Club. A tournament spokesperson said: “Our grateful thanks go to solicitors Pengillys for their continued generous sponsorship for this event.”