Melton Mowbray Tennis Club leave it late to seal latest title

The mixed second team clinch their late-night title win. From left, Sarah Diver, Etienne Ellis, Justin Horobin, Ellie Jenkins, Laura Hayward, Tom Ellis EMN-180925-125627002

After the mixed first team wrapped up their league crown the previous week, the seconds travelled to odds-on favourites Hinckley Firsts and returned with a stunning 5-4 win to put them in an unassailable position at the top.

With high winds and debris at the Melton Sports Village courts, the match was switched to Hinckley, but was restricted to two courts, with the match to start at 7.30pm.

Skipper Justin Horobin marshalled his team well as the final match ran on until 10.45pm.

Melton Mowbray's champion mixed team are unbeaten in five seasons EMN-180918-155606002

The first round ended with the hosts 2-1 ahead after two tie-breaks went against Melton.

But they hit back in the second round through wins from Justin and Sarah Diver, and Etienne Ellis and Ellie Jenkins to leave the score tied at 3-3 going into the final round.

Justin and Sarah put Melton ahead for the first time, but Hinckley captain Chris Bint and partner levelled it at 4-4.

But Tom Ellis and Laura Hayward held their nerve in the decider and were in no mood to throw away a chance of promotion, hitting the final match-winning shot at 10.45pm to seal a wonderful match and the Division 3B title.

Scores: Tom Ellis/Laura Hayward L 2-9, W 9-2, W 9-4; Etienne Ellis/Ellie Jenkins L 4-9, L 8-9, W 9-4; Justin Horobin/Sarah Diver L 8-9, W 9-3, W 9-2.

* The club are introducing a new initiative for adults in the borough to give tennis a try.

The Adult Rusty Rackets coaching and matchplay programme is aimed at those who would like to try their hand at tennis, or those who have played a little, but not recently.

The first course for men will take place at the Burton Road club, on Mondays (October 15 to November 5) from 6.45pm to 7.45pm (Drills/Skills/Coaching) and 7.45pm to 9pm (doubles).

A second course will follow from Monday, November 12 to December 10.

To book, call Ryan Parmar on 07415 100506.

Ladies’ courses will follow the same format and run on Wednesdays from October 10 to November 7, and then November 14 to December 12.

To book, or for more information, call Di Burdett on 07841 380410.

Both courses cost £6 per session or £25 for five weeks, with cheques payable to B&D Coaching.