PENALLT Tennis Club enjoyed a marvellous end of season weekend in lovely weather.

A mixed doubles handicap competition was held on the Saturday afternoon followed by the finals of the men’s and ladies’ singles club championship on the Sunday.

The final of the men’s singles was a repeat of the previous two years between Josh Griffiths and Max Swayne, after both cruised through the earlier rounds with straight sets victories.

Josh started strongly, showing no ill effects of having a two-week old baby to his name, and took the first set 6-4.

Max, however, really got into his stride thereafter to sweep Josh aside 6-0 in the second before taking the deciding championship tie-break 10-4.

The 16-year-old’s all-round game continues to improve, and his service has become a most formidable weapon.

The ladies’ final was an intriguing match up between club chairman Bev Leaf and Max’s 13-year-old sister Lyra Swayne.

Lyra surprised many by beating last year’s champion Lizelle de Jager in a very close semi-final.

And it was to her great credit that she showed no sign of nerves playing against such an experienced player as Bev.

She was able to match Bev’s powerful ground strokes in numerous extended rallies, and, with the latter unable to find the best of her service game on the day, took the match 6-4, 6-4.

Simultaneously, on the middle court, the final of the men’s plate was played out between Ben Taylor and Chris Adams.

In what turned out to be the longest match of the tournament Ben prevailed 5-7, 6-2, 1-0 (10-6).

The previous afternoon’s mixed doubles proved a popular event with 10 couples participating, including a record seven pairs of spouses.

The sliding handicap system made for an entertaining and close competition with Karen and Andrew Rollings winning in the final against Juliet Bucknall and Pete Bryden.