EARLY morning mist gave way to glorious sunshine for the annual Buriton Tennis Club finals day.

The tennis kicked off in earnest at 10am with the highly anticipated men’s singles between James Harwood and Rob Walton. Despite early signs that R Walton meant business, four-times finalist Harwood completed a 6-1 6-0 victory to win the Tom Hall Cup.

Next up R Walton was in action again, this time with highly rated son Harry in the men’s doubles against the unrelated Max and Chris Jones. A close first set was snatched 7-5 by the Jones’, who seemed to get the wind in their sails going on to win the second set 6-1. Third to play, and the only match to go all the way, was the ladies’ doubles with Alice Anstee and Lydia Forbes-Manson taking on Liz Hartley and Lucy Spooner. Anstee and Forbes-Manson were the victors, winning 4-6 7-5 6-0.

The ladies singles’ final saw the victorious doubles partnership up against one and other, with Anstee winning 6-1 6-4. Forbes-Manson did, however, show the crowd that she had the shots to challenge the champion.

Last on court were M Jones and Emily Walls taking on mother and son pairing Kirsty and Henry Thomas in the mixed doubles. The difference was the superior net play of M Jones and Walls, who became champions with a 6-3 6-2 victory.

Club coach Paul Evans presided over the on-court presentation ceremony, reserving special thanks for tournament referee Mandy Fanshawe. Players, officials and spectators then retired to The Five Bells.