A trio of Southend tennis players were pipped at the post in the Hertz #1 Cup.

Cary Willson, from Westcliff, took on Scotland's Neil Rayner in the semi-final of the mens' 35 and over singles match, but lost 7-6 6-4.

Neil was defeated in the final by Nick Knight 6-2 6-0.

Shoebury's Kirsten Warner competed in the ladies' open singles event and met Nottingham's Isabelle Wild in the semi-final.

Isabelle won 6-0 6-0 and went on to win in the final by defeating Southampton's Nicola McCormick 6-2 6-2.

Kirsten was in action again in the mixed open doubles where she teamed up with Southend's Jon Lea.

They were beaten in the semi-final by Carshalton's Hazel and Andrew Middleton 6-1 6-1, who went on to defeat Isabelle and Ashby-de-la-Zouch's Andrew Adlam the final 6-0 6-3.

All the players had won through local, area and regional competitors to reach the finals of the cup, which were held at Telford on Sunday.

A total of 104 regional champions contested various categories in the tournament, which is in its 18th year and is organised by the Tennis Times magazine.

Last week we published an article about Leigh Tennis Club's Saturday morning coaching sessions for eight to 15-year-olds which begin tomorrow.

Unfortunately we printed the wrong telephone number for details. The correct number is Anne Wright on 01702 715509.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Leigh and Westcliff LTA will be holding its annual meeting on Friday, March 12, at 7.45pm. The meeting will be held at Kent Elms Tennis Club in Aviation Way, Southend.

Cary Willson - defeated by Neil Rayner Forthcoming events

March 12-14 - LTA Indoor Circuit Masters, Redbridge Sports and Leisure, boys and girls singles 18.

March 12-14 - Rover Indoor Circuit Masters, Redbridge Sports and Leisure, boys and girls singles 18.

March 21 - Southend Winter Series finals, Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre. Junior boys and girls.

March 21 - Southend and District LTA Championships.

March 27 - Essex Masters, Clearview Tennis Centre, Brentwood. Mixed doubles.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.