DESPITE a challenging summer which saw local sport almost decimated, the Barrow & District Tennis league managed to successfully complete a full program which saw a team reclaim its 2018 title.

Commencing late June and finishing mid September, Coniston emerged the clear victors, winning every match they played and reclaiming the title they last won in 2018.

Coniston’s new recruit from Kirkby Mike Code teamed up with the veteran Peter Helme to form an irresistible top pairing for the ‘Villagers’.

The duo remained unbeaten throughout, with Code finishing top of the averages come the end of the season. Coniston’s regular second pair were young star Joseph Wilkinson teaming up with captain Jeff Atkinson, a combination that would lose just one rubber out of fourteen. They were ably supported by Steve Bushell, who featured heavily in the second half of the season, plus Roger Aubrey and Seascale sensation; Rob Brown.

Home victories were duly achieved over Kirkby Lonsdale and North Lonsdale before setting up a title decider with last year’s other joint champions, Hawcoat Park, who finally relinquished their crown.

The season belonged to Coniston, who also added the end of season One-Day trophy, held at the splendid new all-weather courts at Hawcoat Park, to their collection and therefore completing a memorable double.