All the latest news from Ormskirk Tennis Club

THIS year Easter Monday and Spring Bank Holiday extended the league season into the first week of August.

Rain on Monday compounded the problem of absences through holidays and injuries.

Ormskirk I were rained off at Birkdale II and were without four regulars for the re-arranged match.

The substitutes proved more than equal to the challenge. The first, second and third mixed halved. The fourth couple G Birchall/S Crowley did well 6-2,6-4. The first gents and second ladies halved. The second gents P Morana/G Birchall edged a tie-break then pulled away 6-1. First ladies F Wisse/V Cocks were in terrific form winning 6-1,6-0. The 11-5 win resulted in Ormskirk's premier team returning to the top flight as champions.

Ormskirk II replayed against Croston I without all four regular ladies. Stars of the day were P Roberts/L Ashcroft who took second mixed 6-4,6-2.

Even this match was rain-affected and all the levels events were halved making the final score Ormskirk II 6 Croston I 10.

Ormskirk IV had little to show for their efforts against a strong Birkdale III with just one point gained by third mixed P McConnell/A Bumford.

Both Ormskirk V and VI were unable to field teams for their final matches.

Following last week's success, Ormskirk ladies team entertained Lytham St Anne's ladies.

At tea, Ormskirk led by four rubbers to two, and needed just one more to clinch victory. This was duly achieved by captain S Crowley with S Davison. Ormskirk now find themselves in the semi-final of the Lancashire Ladies Knockout competition.