A TENNIS club in South Cerney has a lot to celebrate this summer as one of their teams has been promoted to the premier division.

Cerney Lakes Tennis Club's women's A team thrashed the opposition in multiple matches across the county this summer and have sealed their promotion to the Gloucestershire Premier Doubles League. 

The A squad - who played in the Division 1 in the Dunlop Gloucestershire Doubles League this year - is made up of captain Rowena Wakefield, aged 38, Jane Cacchioli, aged 63, Ann Ashcroft, aged 64, and Maggie Fillingham, aged 75.

Cerney Lakes confirmed their top spot in the league by winning 4-0 against Cam and Dursley in their final match.

They celebrated with a glass of fizz and lots of group hugs.

Club captain Wendy Murphy said: "This is a first for our small club with just 50 adult members. 

"Neither the women's or the men's team in our club have reached this level before.

"The Gloucestershire Premier Doubles League is of a very high standard. 

"My hope as club captain is that they enjoy every minute of every game. 

"They will fight for every point and Rowena and her team would love to do well enough to stay up there fighting.

"They are already working on new drills to help them achieve that. 

"I also hope that the prospect of playing at such a high level may attract more talent to Cerney Lakes Tennis Club."

Squad captain Rowena said: "The team has been constantly willing to learn and try new things with our coach. 

"We are competitive so it is not hard to motivate the team.

"We just went out there and played our best tennis, staying positive and encouraging each other because as we know tennis is not just a physical game but a mental one too.

“I encourage anyone who is thinking about joining a tennis club whether you are super keen and competitive or just starting out on your tennis journey there is a place for you at Cerney Lakes.”

Wendy echoed this and said: "Cerney Lakes Tennis Club is special because it welcomes all ages and abilities.

"We have members from five years old to over 80 who play-regularly.

"It can be a competitive sport or played recreationally with friends. 

"Tennis provides many benefits to physical, social and and mental health.

"We always ensure that everyone is welcomed and take pleasure in being on court whatever their level of tennis."