2 years planning and hard work resulted in a new school being crowned County Champions last Thursday, as the first ever County Mini Red Tennis finals for Primary schools were played at the Blackbrook Tennis centre in Taunton.

Using the School Sport Partnership (SSP) structure as the basis for the competition, over 60 primary schools from across Somerset entered the competition, nearly a 100% increase on last year.  The growth has seen many more School Sport Coordinators, Tennis clubs and club coaches supporting the project, which has developed from last year’s work in South Somerset, and the event will now become part of the three SSP’s summer fixture programme.

The winner and runners up of the Partnership finals were invited to the first Primary schools County finals and 24 new keen and eager rising Tennis Stars, who are currently not part of  any local tennis clubs, took to the courts in anticipation of medals and the chance to take the new trophy back to their school.

The 2 ½ hour round robin tournament proved a test of stamina and concentration for the year 3 & 4 pupils, but the level of play and enthusiasm increased as the afternoon went on and as the players got used to playing the tie break format.

Ash Primary School eventually came out as winners scoring 12 points from a possible 15. Their excellent team work during the doubles matches demonstrated the value of playing regular sport in Primary schools and gave them a strong competitive edge. With three teams scoring 11 points, the second place was awarded to Axbridge First School on the number of games actually won in all their matches. 

Results
1st Ash Primary School
2nd  Axbridge First School
3rd Trinity Primary School
4th St Bartholomew's First School
5th Dunster First School
6th  Cheddar First School

James Deem, the Tennis Development Manager for Somerset and Dorset, said that ‘this was a good example of how working in partnership can bring together the necessary resources to offer more sporting opportunities for young people’.  Kameron Ridler, Charlie Curtis, Lucy Groves & Octavia Dowding from Ash School were delighted to receive their medals and certificates and look forward to taking the game further.  The aim of the project all along has been to increase the number of young players taking part in competitive tennis at local clubs, which will eventually see new talent coming through.

Graham Norris, the Senior Competition Manager for Somerset would like to ensure that the event grows from strength to strength and is keen to hear from any other Primary schools who would like to take part in the programme next year. Please email him at the following address: grahamnorris@sesomersetssco.co.uk