INNERLEITHEN Tennis Club recently celebrated the successes of what could be some of Scotland’s stars of the future with the presentation of trophies and medals to the many junior members who took part in club competitions over the summer.

The club’s junior section continues to go from strength to strength with almost 50 players, ranging from five to 12 years old, taking part.

They were ably supported throughout 2016 by a team of dedicated coaches who between them put in many hours of work.

The competitions began in August with a mini-skills event for the youngest group, age 6 and under.

In all, 14 children tested their budding skills at throwing, targets, running and balancing, finishing with a very fast, timed agility course.

Great fun was had by all with Andrew Macdonald (1st), Ben Allan (2nd) and Max McGinn (3rd) scooping the prizes for the boys, and Morven Rowe (1st), Sophie Cotter and Lara Moncrieff (joint 2nd), and Katie Rendle (3rd) winning the honours for the girls.

Over the next three weeks, it was the turn of the older age groups with 12 and under, 10 and under, plus 9 and under events.

It was a closely contested competition at 12 and under level, with Drew Lobb stepping up an age category but continuing his winning streak from last year, beating Elliot Brydon in the final.

The girl’s competition was also a repeat of last year with Ellie Gordon retaining the trophy, beating Isla Campbell (2nd) and Katie Mackay (3rd) to the top prize.

In the 10 and under competition, Jamie Sked was another player to retain a trophy having stepped up an age category, beating his friend Bailey Fairbairn in the final on a championship tiebreak.

Congratulations also to Alistair Marshall, Stuart Mitchell and Kyle Irvine who all played well to make this an excellent event.

Although a smaller group, the 9 and under event was no less exciting with the final between reigning champion Josh Landers and Ben Cotter a real classic.

With Ben missing out on three set points to lose the first set 6-8, the second set went all the way to 7-7 before Josh eventually won 10-8. Special mention also goes to Alice Finlayson for taking on her more experienced opponents.

This year’s events finished with the biggest group of all: the 8 and under event.

In all, 16 children, plus eight coaches and volunteers ensured the finals night saw a flurry of great tennis, with not even the heavy rain dampening spirits.

Following a series of fast and furious games to determine group allocations, George Brydon came out on top in the Boy’s Group A, just ahead of Liam Irvine (2nd) and Logan Kivlichan (3rd), with Millie Cotter winning the girl’s title for the second year running ahead of Ruby Mackenzie (2nd) and Kirsty Macdonald (3rd).

Again, a special mention goes to young players Brian O’Hare and Rory Mackenzie who also finished in Group A. Meanwhile, Group B was also a closely fought event, with new player Jamie Rogers emerging victorious.

And so on a warm October evening, it was left to coach Jonny Lea to present each child with a certificate for taking part, plus medals and trophies for the placed players in each event. It was a great night of celebration, with huge thanks due to all participating players, plus Katharine Cotter who organises and supports the club’s regular Wednesday tennis sessions.

For more on what Innerleithen Tennis Club can offer players of all ages, visit the club’s Facebook page, @innerleithentennisclub