TENNIS players in Lydney aren’t letting anything as trivial as winter weather interfere with their game.

Lydney Tennis Club ran an Under-14s doubles tournament on Sunday, December 17, with the club’s annual touch tennis tournament in the afternoon.

Twenty-nine children and 24 adults turned out to play despite the rain. The day started early at 9am with the doubles (under 14s) tournament organised by the coaches. The oldest player taking part was 13 while the youngest was just five years old.

Head coach, Rachael Wintle, said: “For some children this was their very first taste of competitive play.

“It was very cold and wet but the children were amazing and battled through their matches despite the weather. A few clubhouse time-outs were required to warm-up but the attitude and sportsmanship of all the players was outstanding. The overall winners were Charlie Rule, aged 13, and his six-year-old brother Ted.

“The annual Christmas touch tennis tournament took place in the afternoon. This fun event is the final tournament of the year and is open to both club members and the general public of all ages and abilities.

“The players battled it out to be crowned doubles touch tennis champions of 2017. The winners were Cindy Ieli and Barbara Firman.”

Club member, Julia Goss, said: “Rachael organised and ran both tournaments on Sunday. She has inspired us all year with her enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude.”