TWO players from Wellington Tennis Club entered the Grade 3 Somerset LTA Championship Tournament.

The week-long event at Burnham-on-Sea offers match-play for a wide range of ages - from eight up to men's Over 70s.

Kevin Jones and Connor Sellick entered the men's singles and doubles and Kevin also entered the Over 40s event. Both men play in Wellington's A and men's teams.

Both lost their first singles matches but then had to play each other in the consolation quarter-finals. At their last tournament, at Martock, Connor defeated Kevin but the tables were turned in their second meeting. Connor then won his next match but lost to Xavier in the consolation final.

Kevin and Connor paired up in the doubles but lost their opening match in an elimination draw. Kevin was runner-up in the men's over 40s.

Wellington club chair Sue Rackley, said: "I think it’s inspiring Kevin and Connor entered this tournament. As an LTA referee, I knew a lot of the young men playing in the tournament and know it would have been a high standard. Many are still teenagers who play four or five times a week and are in county squads."

"Since joining last year, Kevin and Connor enjoy playing singles and practise a lot to improve their game. I hope they will come and play with some of our juniors."

The junior coaching resumes on Saturday, 12th September, along with Cardio Tennis sessions on Tuesday, 8th, at 6:30 pm and Wednesday mornings at 9am. These sessions are open for non-members as well.

The club will be focusing on giving all juniors matchplay opportunities. There will be competitive tennis every six weeks and Sue will also run in-house tournaments as well as LTA Grade 6 mini tennis tournaments.

"Kevin and Connor are proof that playing better players really helps improve your tennis skills,” added Sue.