IT MAY be one of the smaller clubs in East Lancashire but Feniscowles Tennis Club can boast two national champions.

The Livesey Branch Road club only has around 30 members but two of them have recently returned from Wimbledon with the silverware.

Eric Knowles and Neil Gibson won doubles titles in their respective age groups at the Great Britain Lawn Tennis Veterans Champion-ships held on the outside and practice courts at the world famous venue.

But while Knowles and his playing partner, Chris Hearn, won the Over 45s title for the fifth consecutive year, Feniscowles team-mate Gibson was tasting national glory for the first time.

“It was fantastic to win,” said the 51-year-old policeman who partnered David Gartside from Holcombe Brook to the over 50s title.

“We were quietly confident that we could do well despite being unseeded.

“It is a fabulous venue and the high profile and best run of the veterans tournaments. Some of the matches were played on Court 18 but we got to play on the practice courts which was still very special.

“So it was great to win this one.”

Gibson and Gartside proved to be the dark horses in the section after beating the number one and number three seeds on their march to the title.

And victory over the number one pairing of Vince Gray and Dan Brown in the semi finals was sweet revenge for Gibson who was knocked out by Gray in the quarter finals of the singles.

“That made it all the more special,” added Gibson after winning the final set 10-8 on a championship tie-break. “To beat the number one seeds was great for us, although it was a real battle.”

The pair then went on to beat third seeds Ashley Broomhead and Richard Walsmley 6-4 6-3 in the final. Gibson, an eight times Police national champion, hinted that he would perhaps like to form a Feniscowles ‘dream team’ and pair up with Knowles at a future British championships.

“It nearly happened before but I couldn’t take part and since then Eric has forged a very successful partnership with Chris.

“But perhaps it could happen sometime in the future.”

Knowles, however, won’t be wanting to break up his all-conquering partnership just yet.

The 51-year-old, a former Lanca-shire captain, and his Buckham-shire-based playing partner proved to be too good for everyone in the over 45s category – sweeping to 6-0, 6-2 victory over Neil Howitt and Mark Rowe from Gloucester-shire to take their fifth title in a row.

It was Knowles’ sixth doubles title in total to go with the singles crown he won a few years ago.

“It is always nice to be able to say you have played at Wimbledon and to get your name on the cup is very special,” said Knowles. “We have been very lucky to have won it five times in a row now. Me and Chris are a good team.

“I would love to go back and win more titles but it all depends on how the body holds up.

He added: “I’m delighted for Neil and it is great for the Feniscowles to have two national champions.”