A POPULAR event was served up for the first time in four years as Dunfermline Tennis Club's Junior Open made a successful return.

The Bothwell Street club welcomed 110 players, ranging in age from under-eight to under-18, for the competition between July 9-15.

Traditionally held just after the conclusion of Wimbledon, this year's event was held during the second week of play at the All England Club, and saw 183 matches played in 17 events.

The hosts, as well as fellow West Fife clubs Brucehaven and Dalgety Bay, were well represented, with players also travelling from across Scotland, and England, to take part.

Alan Russell, Dunfermline Tennis Club's head coach, said: "It all went really well. It's the first time we've ran it since 2019, so we were really keen that it was a success, and I think it was.

"That's it back established now. We had 110 players, which was fairly encouraging because numbers are down this year across the borad, so we were quite happy to get that number of players in the competition.

"I think all round competitions are finding that numbers are a bit down this year. They shot up last year because of the increased demand, or pent up demand, so I think we were happy that we got 110 competitors, which made it pretty busy all week.

"We had really good numbers in girls' 12-and-under, 14-and-under, and 16-and-under singles. The numbers were really high; in fact, we had as high numbers in the girls as we did in boys' events in those age groups.

"The feedback from players and parents has been really positive."

Although rain temporarily stopped play on three separate days, all events were completed, with Scott Morrison, described by Alan as "one of our most promising kids", winning the boys under-18 singles.

He teamed-up with Dugald Mackechnie, whom he defeated in the final, to win the doubles event, whilst there was a second place for Harrison Green in the 9-12 boys singles, against Fossoway's Ruaridh Balfour.

In the boys under-14 doubles, Michael Bargeton and Rory Payne, of Aberdour Lawn Tennis Club and Dalgety Bay Squash and Tennis Club respectively, finished as runners-up to Ali Elrasheed (Gleneagles Country Club) and (Thistle Tennis Club).

Other winners were Chloe Sanderson (under-16 girls singles, Bellfield Park Tennis Club); Oliver Payton (under-16 boys singles); Amy Lamb (Thistle Tennis Club, under-14 girls singles); Alastair Mailer (Hatton Sports Club, under-14 boys singles); Elodie Dick (Hatton Sports Club, under-12 girls singles); Seth Kandasamy (Hatton Sports Club, under-12 boys singles); Callum Steven (St Andrews LTC, under-10 boys singles); Niamh Speedie (Thistle Tennis Club, under-nine girls singles); Finn Hutton (Rubislaw Tennis Club, under-nine boys singles); and Harrison Fox (Newlands LTC, under-eight singles).

Meanwhile, tomorrow (Friday) the club are hosting a family fun day at Queen Anne High School, from 10am-2pm.

A free event, with equipment provided, a range of activities will take place, including a skills festival for kids aged between 4-9; fun and games for those aged 10-15; and cardio tennis fitness, and fun doubles, for adults aged 16-and-over.

For more information, visit Dunfermline Tennis Club's Facebook page or website.