Tennis fanatic Richard gets to play at Wimbledon (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Tennis fanatic Richard gets to play at Wimbledon

STRAWBERRIES and cream and soaking up the wonderful atmosphere that Wimbledon always generates is perhaps most aficionados' idea of a wonderful day out.

However, one local youngster actually got to play on those hallowed courts graced by the greats of the game - and he's only ten!

Richard Owen, who lives in Hatherop, was one of only 48 boys from an original entry of 6,500 to reach the finals in a national 'Road to Wimbledon' competition.

A member of the East Glos Tennis Club, Richard was the youngest competitor, either boy or girl, to reach the finals of this event for under 14 year olds.

Although not making the final 32, he had the unique experiencing of playing in the round robin stages at Wimbledon.

It could be that his talents for the game run in the family as his maternal grandfather played for Queensland in Australia.

But he's not on his own as his three sisters - Phoebe, 15, 13- year-old Rachel and Lillie, 8 - are all gifted young players in their own right.

In fact, only recently, this quartet did exceptionally well in the Glo'shire County Closed Junior Tennis Tournament.

Richard won the U12s singles and joined forces with David Reid to clinch the doubles in the same age group.

And although there was a lack of entries, Lillie was the winner of the U9s and Rachel won the U14s singles, and also the U16s doubles with her sister, Phoebe.

A pupil at St Hugh's in Faringdon, Richard enjoys cricket and rugby and also plays football for Fairford Town YFC but, without doubt though, tennis is his first love.