Southend & District LTA chiefs were in joyous mood this week as some of the association's top players fought it out.

The match between Hockley and Thorpe saw the Folly Lane team come out on top 3-2.

But league bosses reckon tennis was the real winner because the singles and doubles competition was supported by established and up and coming players.

"It's particularly good to have all these players playing in the first team," said a Southend & District spokesman. "They have really supported the move to singles.

"It's very important that these boys are leading the way. When you get the top players in the area playing singles for the clubs it is good for tennis in south-east Essex."

The match saw Hockley's Rob Gordon beat Thorpe coach Jon Lee in three sets, with clubmate Joe Levey also defeating Bay's first team regular Simon Cuthbert by the same margin.

Hockley's other players were Gary McDonald and Paul Gardiner. Liam Watts and Andrew Ferguson rounded off the Thorpe team.

Southend & District has been revitalised by the introduction of singles following a long time in the doldrums.

Now association bosses are hoping the move to singles will be carried through to county level.

Published Thursday, August 7, 2003

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