WELLFIELD Tennis Club, at High Coniscliffe on the edge of Darlington, held its annual club tournament finals day last weekend for the first time in two years.

The event was attended by many of the club members who witnessed some fantastic tennis on the day and enjoyed a great social get together.

First up was the seniors singles final for those aged 45-plus. Martyn Tweddle, who qualified for the first time, beat the older Mike Sowerby in a keenly fought match with some punishing rallies that was great to watch.

The men’s singles final was next on court and produced a great exhibition of powerful hard hitting from both men, with Rory Gaydon after overcoming the younger challenger, Dan Buckle.

The first doubles final of the day was the men’s doubles with Keith Stoddart and Joe Robinson playing Andrew Southall and Mike Sowerby, with the former pairing winning the title with some excellent rallies for the crowd to watch throughout a hard fought match.

The last final of the day was the mixed doubles between Claire Stewart and James Stevenson and Philippa Hirst and Mike Sowerby, which produced some outstanding tennis and great rallies. Philippa and Mike won the title after another entertaining match.

A club spokesperson said: "It was great to see so many spectators on the day who supported the players and a big thanks to the umpires, particularly Richard Hornby and Kath Butterfield, who sat in the umpire's chair for two matches each. Also thanks to Norman Wells, the club's resident photographer for taking the pictures throughout the day."

Two of the finals are yet to be held – the ladies singles will be a family affair between mother and daughter Philippa and Sarah Hirst, which is a first for the club. The ladies doubles will then be played between Annie Neville and Claire Stewart and Julie Vickerman and Sarah Hirst.