Julia Westnedge

UNSEEDED Julia Westnedge pulled off a fine win in the ladies singles at the annual Hospital Cup tennis tournament

in sunny but blustery conditions at Stebbing Tennis Club on Saturday.

Westnedge, who plays her tennis at the Grove Tennis Club in Saffron Walden, beat the experienced Monica Sutherland

of Henham with her powerful ground strokes and once she overcame some early match nerves never looked back running out a comprehensive winner 6-3 6-0.

The Hospital Cup dates back to the 1940s and is played annually by members of selected tennis clubs in north-west Essex as a charity event.

The mens singles was won by Ben Stiles of Elsenham, who also won the mens doubles with fellow Elsenham player Hussain Shaida.

The ladies doubles was won by Soozi Rowbotham and Carolyn Haynes of Thaxted, who beat Grove pair Rebecca Doe and Charlotte Harrington.

MEANWHILE, it was Finals Day at The Grove recently with some excellent tennis played on a sunny day in front of a large crowd of enthusiasts.

One of the highlights was a terrific ladies open final between Rebecca Doe and Susie Harrison, with Doe eventually winning 4-6 7-5 6-0.

Alice McGee and Susi Harrison beat Helen Hillson and Debbie Bowes 6-3 6-4 in the ladies open doubles.

The mens singles was won by Ollie Toms who beat Cliff Humphries in the final 6-0 6-1. The mens open doubles final was a classic case of youth versus experience, with youth in the form of Colum Tremayne and James Kenyon winning 7-5 6-2 .

The day was rounded off with a presentation dinner and dance held at No.1 Myddylton Place.