Perry loses out in ladies’ singles final as Jennings holds court at Crackley

The squash world number 17 used heavy slice on both sides to work opponent Melanie Jennings in the final of the open ladies’ singles at Crackley Lane.

However, Jennings’s more traditional forehand topspin approach held sway as she won out 6-1, 6-4.

In the open men’s singles, Tom Holmes beat Freddie Davies 7-5, 6-1.

There were some stunning ground shots from both players, but under-14 county champion Davis was unable to prevent Holmes getting his name on the trophy again.

Caroline Rhodes and Helen Cochrane beat Cheryl Edwards and Amanda John 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the final of the handicap ladies’ doubles, with the men’s event going to Jim Davies and son Freddie who beat Mark Newton and Jeremy Simmons 6-4, 2-6, 9-7 in a marathon encounter.

In the handicap mixed doubles, Kate Perkins and Richard Simmons eased past Shirley Whiting and Ed Wilson 6-3, 6-2.

On Sunday, Warwick Boat Club hosted their annual American open mixed doubles tournament, sponsored by Knight and Rennie.

Twenty-three pairs entered with the duos divided into three groups and the top two plus the two best losers progressing to the quarter-finals .

Tennis captain Tony Baker praised the quality on show, with many of the players travelling from across the county to take part.

“The tournament is always very popular and draws tennis players from a wide radius, so the standard is very high,” said Baker.

“But the tournament, although competitive, is played in the right spirit.”

In the final, Warwick Boat Club duo Andy Norton and Hattie Hamilton were pegged back to 6-6 by Richard Allen and Pippa Fisher, forcing a tie-break which they lost 7-4.