THE annual Coln Valley Mixed Doubles tournament produced another vintage day of glorious tennis – even if most of the 84 contestants had to play their first-round matches in waterproofs.

In addition to the regular faces and players from local clubs, some of the competitors travelled from as far afield as Dorset, Hampshire and London to take part.

The coveted Speke Challenge Cup was won by 2014 runner-up Ben Langley, whose partner this year was Sylvie Darrieumerlou.

Both are members of Purton Tennis Club.

They defeated Matt Pickles and Briegeen Dolby from North Oxford Tennis Club in a fast and furious final which many players stayed on late to support.

The final for the Scott-Smith Salver was an all-Chedworth affair, in which Sarah Calder and John Boughey fought off hopefuls Claire Watson and Dominic Chesmore who had taken an early lead.

The owners of 11 beautiful properties in Withington, Coln St Denis, Coln Rogers, Perrott’s Brook, Calmsden, Rendcomb, Colesbourne and Aycote kindly loaned out their tennis courts for the day to make the event possible.

The club’s tournament coordinator Allison Stock said: “I was amazed how everyone just got on with it despite the murky morning weather.

"From the many emails and messages I have received I believe everyone had a great time and I want to thank them all for taking part and playing in such superb spirit.

"It was good to see some new faces and the level of tennis was excellent as ever.

"We are hugely grateful to Savills for their sponsorship of the event, to D&J Sports for their raffle prize of a spectacular tennis bag and accessories and to everyone else who donated prizes.

"Above all, we wish to thank the court owners and all the volunteer helpers who worked so hard on the day and prepared food prior to the event.”

First held 33 years ago, this unique and charming tournament has a loyal following of players who are drawn back year after year by its focus on ‘country house’ tennis played in traditional whites in sporting spirit, a format which is now becoming popular with other clubs.

The event raises money both for the Hill & Valley Lawn Tennis Club and for the local churches of Chedworth, Coln St Dennis and Coln Rogers.