STEEP Tennis Club’s juniors have been victorious in the club challenge event for the fifth time.

The event, conceived by Thornden head coach and Great Britain seniors’ player Paul Scullard, began in 2010 as a way to give less experienced junior players an opportunity it compete in a fun, team environment.

Steep has been a participant in the event since its inception. This year four teams competed, Steep, Thornden, and two teams from Colden Common, captained by their coach Gary Waughman.

Steep head coach and captain Dave Gaterell led a team of eight players ranging from eight to 13 years old.

The event was played on the courts of Thornden Tennis Club, set in the grounds of Thornden School in Chandler’s Ford.

One point was awarded for each match won, and after more than three hours in the gruelling heat, playing singles and doubles matches, the Steep team won by just three points with a total of 36 wins out of 60 timed matches played.

Gaterell said: “The aim of this event is to give aspiring young players, perhaps with very little to no match play experience, an opportunity to test themselves and get a taste for competition.

“I’m really proud of the effort, the sportsmanship and discipline these children displayed, from all teams.

“I think this was the best year yet.”