Blackburn Northern Tennis Club hosted the Blackburn with Darwen Year Three and Four Mini Tennis Competition.

A total of eight schools from across the borough took part who were split into two groups of four.

The top two from each progressed through to the semi-finals.

Group one include of St Cuthbert’s, St Paul’s Hoddlesden, Wensley Fold and St James’ Lower Darwen. In group two were Avondale, Lower Darwen, The Redeemer and Longshaw.

The standard on display was excellent, and in group one St Cuthbert’s topped the group with maximum points with St Paul’s Hoddlesden claiming second place.

In group two, Avondale also won all three of their games to finish in first place with Lower Darwen finishing second and also advancing to the next stage. In the first semi final, St Cuthbert’s took on Lower Darwen with Avondale up against St Paul’s Hoddlesden in the second.

Some swash buckling shots from St Cuthbert’s saw them advance into the finals and were joined by St Paul’s who saw off a spirited Avondale.

Lower Darwen came out on top in a tightly fought third and fourth place play-off against Avondale edging to a 31-28 victory.

So the final was between St Cuthbert’s and St Paul’s Hoddlesden. And it was St Cuthbert’s class really showed through in the final and they ran out worthy winners 39-18 and will now go onto the SPAR Lancashire Youth Games to represent Blackburn with Darwen on the July 1.

Andrew Mercer, School Games Organiser, was impressed by the talent on show.

He said. “I would like to say a huge Thankyou to Blackburn Northern Tennis Club for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities. I would also like to thank the Young Leaders from St Bede’s RC High school who did a great Job officiating and umpiring.

“I wish St Cuthberts the best of luck as the represent the borough in Blackpool.”