LAST Saturday saw the Borders Mini Tennis (8 and under) Individual event held at the Queen’s Centre, Galashiels.
Although the weather was cold and wintery outside, the competitors created a warm atmosphere within the centre.
Thirty players from across the region were involved in the boys’ competition. After the round-robin stages and quarter-finals the four boys to go through to the semis were: Luke Townsend (St Boswells Tennis Club), Drew Lobb (Innerleithen Tennis Club), Oliver Duguid (Melrose Tennis Club) and Ivan Burt-Smith (Selkirk Tennis Club).
Some really good play took place, with Luke winning out against Drew and Ivan taking the other final place following his match against Oliver. The final was a tense event with a good crowd of players and parents waiting to see the outcome. The title and trophy returned to St Boswells with Luke, although Ivan pushed him all the way, with the final score being 9-7.
In the girls’ competition 12 girls took part.
Melrose provided three of the semi-finalists: Felicity Walls, Orla Lynch, Caitlin Elliot (all Melrose Tennis Club) and Ruathy Brogan (Hawick Tennis Club).
After two entertaining semi-finals, Felicity and Orla won through to play each other in the final.
Both girls showed their skill on the courts with end-to-end play. However, Felicity took the gold medal home to Melrose.
Borders Tennis junior management committee secretary Christine Brown told The Southern: “It’s excellent to see so many young tennis players playing competitive tennis.
“All our local tennis clubs are keen to encourage more young people get involved in this sport.
“It is hoped that all the competitors continue to play at the scheduled challenge events throughout the summer session at a number of the clubs in the Borders.”
Players are asked to keep in contact with their local clubs for more information if required.