Congratulations to Piers and Paivi, winners of this year’s tournament after a closely-fought battle with Sarah and Nick.

Paivi’s is a meteoric rise – from spectator last year to Champion this. Will anyone else take up that challenge?

And Nick is to be commended for playing in Crocs for most of the morning after his tennis shoes disintegrated.

Twenty-four players enjoyed games on various courts with a wide range of partners and opponents.

We were then joined by friends and family for a delicious lunch at Featherbed Barn.

Thank you to everyone who played and brought lunch, helped set up and take down and lent their courts, and to Alan and Andrew for hosting the lunch.

Not quite Wimbledon but just as much fun!

It may not seem like it today, but summer is here and it’s time to think about the annual Village Tennis Tournament.

The tournament will be played on various courts around the village during the morning, followed by a pot-luck lunch at Featherbed Barn (thank you Alan and Andrew).

The first Saturday in August is the Flower Show. The first Saturday in September is the Moreton Show. And now the first Saturday in July is the village tennis tournament. So time to start brushing up on your backhand and sharpening your volley.

The tournament is open to anyone who lives, or has lived, in Cherington, Stourton or Sutton-under-Brailes. All standards are welcome to play. Don’t worry if you haven’t played for years, or have only just started playing.

The players and friends and family then enjoyed a delicious potluck lunch, with an unplanned but very tasty Mediterranean theme.

We were particularly pleased to welcome five new faces to the tournament, including finalist Alex. Other newcomers included two players who have recently dusted off their rackets after a lay-off of more than two decades.

Several spectators want to be part of next year’s tournament and some have already started practising.

Didn’t quite make it to Wimbledon or the Olympics? Haven’t played for years? Why not enjoy a morning’s tennis followed by a sociable lunch?

Why not come and play in the Village Tennis Tournament on Sunday 1st September? All standards are welcome. As long as you live, or have lived, in Cherington, Stourton or Sutton you are qualified to play.

We play tennis in the morning at various courts around the villages. Then watch (or play in) the finals and enjoy a potluck lunch at Brook House, Cherington.