CHEDWORTH’S Hill & Valley Lawn Tennis Club launched a new competition on Sunday in memory of John Robson, their past chairman who died suddenly in 2016.

Like the club's successful Coln Valley Mixed Doubles tournament, the new event is also a day of sociable, mixed doubles tennis played on courts in local villages for a magnificent trophy.

But it differs in that those contesting the spectacular John Robson Rose Bowl must be club members.

Twenty eight members took part on Sunday, playing on country house courts in Chedworth, Withington, Calmsden and Fossebridge.

Guest of honour was Heather Robson, who presented the trophies and spoke movingly about how delighted her late husband would have been at such an event.

The feisty and memorable final fittingly included two of John’s proteges, Tom Emmerson and Dan Heaps, both of whom John coached as boys.

Tom was partnered by Julie Young and Dan’s partner was Carol Bailey.

Carol and Julie are now among the club’s elder ladies but are as spirited and competitive as ever and demonstrated that their tennis has lost none of its magic over the years.

Dan and Carol came back from 5-2 down to win a spellbinding tie-break finale and lift the Rose Bowl.

Allison Stock, tournament organiser, said: “We were really thrilled with how it all went and the lovely atmosphere throughout. John would have smiled at the line-up for the final, too.

"His death just before our open tournament last year was a tremendous shock and loss to our club, so we all wanted to take time to decide how best to pay a lasting tribute to him.

"He was such a passionate supporter of tennis for all standards that we felt that an American doubles competition would be perfect for encouraging the less confident to play alongside some of the club’s best players.

"I think everyone really enjoyed themselves despite the weather and people are already talking about next year’s event. My thanks go to everyone who helped make the day such a resounding success."