TILFORD & Rushmoor Tennis Club’s mixed doubles final was expected to be a titanic battle on Tilford Fete Day and spectators were not disappointed.

On one side of the net were the formidable Anglo/Italian husband-and-wife pairing of Nina and Anthony Cerullo, the 2015 champions. Facing them, a new pairing of Claire Bertram and Rory Caffyn-Parsons. 

The first set went to Bertram/Caffyn-Parsons 6-2, although the score belied several tight games, the deciding factor being that Claire and Rory were clinical in winning the important points.

The second set was very different. Bertram/Caffyn-Parsons edged ahead again, but the Cerullos sussed out their opponents and, upping their game, led 6-5 in an intense contest.

However, Rory dodged the volleys, held his nerve and serve, and forced the tie-break. 

Claire, having got over her nerves, was now on song and dominated play in the tie-break.

Bertram/Caffyn-Parsons took it 7-4 to clinch the title. 

Lord Coe presented the winners with the Smith Rose Bowl trophy during the fete on the Green.

The tennis club had a stand and managed to sign up some new members, while existing members and others tried their hand at ‘short tennis’.

To find out more about Tilford & Rushmoor Tennis Club, email  info@trtennis. org.uk