KIRBY Tennis Club seniors showed outstanding resilience in sweltering conditions during a successful American tournament.

Eight players rallied their way through four rounds before stopping for refreshments.

Refuelled, they then played a further three rounds, being teamed with a new partner for each one.

Barbara Slack was the overall winner and she shared the glory with top man Richard Partridge.

Only one game separated Sandra Hatton in third place from Tina Hood and Margaret Calver.

Well-earned ice pops and lollies were then enjoyed as officiator Joy Norman presented the trophies.

Kirby held another American tournament on the middle Sunday of Wimbledon.

This time open to all players, ten keen members turned out to compete for the club's newly-purchased trophies.

Playing the best of nine games in each round, they competed over five rounds,

each taking a turn to sit one out.

After four rounds, only a few games separated a small group of possible title contenders.

However, an impressive final round by Bob Baker and Joy Norman saw them surge ahead of the group.

Norman was the overall winner and took the ladies' trophy.

Baker took the men's trophy, with David Pain and Barbara Ager hot on their heels.