This national competition has now been running for six years and Linslade already has a good track record for producing young players to compete in it, and this year is no exception.

Wesley and Shaun Nottingham were the on-court officials for the day and they ensured the matches ran smoothly and spectators were treated to some skilful and intelligent tennis from the competitors.

In the semi-finals young Louise Richards played well above her normal ability and to her credit fought to the bitter end, but eventually lost to Hannah Marzec.

The second semi-final saw Louise's sister Eleanor play against Alison Lowe. This was always going to be close run match and both girls displayed good consistency and determination. However, Eleanor struggled to accustom herself to the borrowed racket she had to use and despite producing some fantastic down-the-line winners in the last set Alison eventually claimed the match for herself.

After a break to recover from the heat, Alison and Hannah stepped on court as the finalists. The match was the nailbiter the spectators had hoped for with the girls trading points and then games.

Alison got off to the better start, but her lead was soon closed down by Hannah. Showing determination and grit Alison eventually took the first set, but Hannah was far from out and she held the lead in the second set.

The girls sent shot after shot across the net to test each other to the limit, and as the set progressed the battle on court became fiercer, but Hannah held her composure under great pressure and won the second set.

The third set took the form of a championship tie-break, the first player to win 10 points and being at least two points clear would emerge the winner.

In true Wimbledon fashion the girls fought for each point, neither managing to break away from the other. When the score reached 8-8 the match could have gone either way and the spectators thought the match was almost over, but the girls were far from finished.

They continued trading points and the scoreline reached 14-14, but the greater experience of Hannah served her well and she set the winning point up from a powerful serve.

The girls will now go on to represent Linslade Tennis Club in the second stage of this competition at Luton and Vauxhall in July. Here they will compete in another knockout draw against the winners from other clubs within Bedfordshire, with the winner from this draw progressing to the national finals which are held at Wimbledon in August.

If you would like information on the training opportunities available at Linslade Tennis Club call Nick Boys on 07810 832774, and for membership details call Mike on 01525 377552.

Get yourself down to Linslade TC's Open Day this Saturday from 11am at Mentmore Road Playing Fields.

Juniors have court time allocated from 11am-3pm, while adults can have a go from 2pm-4pm. Don't have a racket? No problem, the club will lend you one.

The on court activities will be organised by Linslade's Head Coach Nick Boys and his team, and a Coaching Strategy Presentation will take place at 2pm. All activities and the presentation are free and will cater for all ages and abilities so even if you have never played before you'll still be able to take part.

The Club is very family oriented, with lots of opportunities for beginners to learn, improvers to improve and talented players to progress, no matter what their age.

A full programme of coaching, social and playing events is run throughout the year so there is something of interest for everyone, even non-players.

For more details of the Open Day or becoming a member call Mike on 01525 377552.