THE Andover Lawn Tennis Club witnessed a fantastic display of tennis skills and sportsmanship at the Margaret Winnett Trophy 2023 held at the club's Balksbury home.

The tournament proved to be a fitting tribute to the late and beloved chairman, Margaret Winnett, who was a staunch supporter of junior tennis.

The unpredictable British weather decided to be kind to the contestants, as matches were predominantly played outdoors in pleasant conditions.

This year's edition of the Trophy welcomed secondary age juniors, who competed in a sliding handicap format that leveled the playing field, making for closely contested matches.

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Margaret Winnett's legacy as an advocate for junior tennis was evident throughout the competition, and the event also commemorated her contributions as the promoter of the club's first parent and child competition.

The participating pairs were split into two round-robin groups, adding to the excitement and intensity of the competition.

In Group Pink, Ant Brown and his son Reuben emerged as the winners, with Katrina and Monty Johnston securing a close second place.

Reuben, a late replacement for his older brother, showcased great talent and contributed significantly to his team's success.

In Group Blue, the duo of Keith and Isaac Robinson displayed exceptional skills and emerged as the victors, while Dan and Meredith DeMarco put up an impressive performance to finish as runners-up.

As the semifinals unfolded, the tension rose on the court. In the first semifinal, Ant and Reuben fought valiantly, but it was Dan and Meredith DeMarco who prevailed and secured their spot in the final.

The other semifinal was a closely contested battle, with Keith and Isaac Robinson emerging victorious against Katrina and Monty Johnston.

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The final match was a treat for spectators, with all four players showcasing a high standard of tennis.

Despite being the youngest player on the court, Meredith displayed remarkable composure and rallied beautifully from the back of the court. Isaac, along with his father Keith, exhibited remarkable mobility, which gave them a slight edge.

The handicap system added an extra layer of pressure on the leading team, and the DeMarco pair used it to their advantage. However, in the end, it was the Robinsons who triumphed, showing exceptional teamwork and skill. Congratulations to Keith and Isaac on their well-deserved victory.