Frinton's tennis stars will be aiming to go one better than last year when they meet Essex rivals Connaught for the £5,500 top prize in the National Club League men's final at Southampton.

Runners-up to the David Lloyd Bushey team of Hertfordshire last season, Frinton won their way into today's (Friday's) final at the Hampshire Club with a convincing 4-2 victory over Banbury West End in their final group game before a large crowd at Holland Road on Wednesday.

The victory hoisted the Essex club - who finished with four wins and a defeat - to the top of their group level on points alongside Edgbaston Priory, but Frinton edged through to their second consecutive final on countback.

"It has been an excellent week for the club," said proud team manager Bob Smith.

"The lads have come up against some tough opposition and yesterday was no exception.

"Everyone rose to the occasion magnificently and it will require a similar effort from the squad if we are to beat a very strong Connaught team in the final."

Frinton's heroes against Banbury yesterday were Nick Gould, Paul Robinson and Ralph Kok who beat Grant Doyle, Ian Bates and Neil Watts respectively in the singles, while Tati Rascon and Kok won their doubles.

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