FINALS day at the Dorchester Junior Open produced some high class tennis between players from across Dorset.

The boys’ 18 and under singles contest was a very close match. Dorchester’s Justin Smith, 14, edged out James Marsh, 17, from Bournemouth 6-4 3-6 10-5.

This age group’s consolation event went to Charlie March from Swanage who beat Weymouth’s Steve Pellow 6-0 6-1.

The boys’ 16 and under singles was a tussle between two Swanage lads. Richard Davies overcoming Nathan Fowler 6-3 6-2.

The consolation event was a lop-sided affair, between two Dorchester boys, in which age overcame exuberance. Alex Skidmore, 15, held his nerve over Isaac Verkaik, 13, and went on to win 0-6 6-4 11-9.

The 14 and under singles final was contested between two 13-year-old rivals, both of whom train at Dorchester. Ben Skidmore started well, but Levi Gale used his slow ball tactics to good effect and triumphed 6-2 6-1. The consolation competition was also between two boys who are in the same Dorchester squad, but who are fairly new to tennis.

Sam Roles used the experience gained from watching the tournament all week to beat Sam Allen 6-0 6-2.

Long rallies were the order of the day in the 12 and under boys’ final, which lasted for almost two hours and was more nerve-racking for the spectators than the players. Gianpiero Placidi eventually beat a persistent Ben Battey 6-2 7-6.

The two boys in the 10 and under final play each other regularly.

This time it was Finley Bygrave’s turn to beat Millen Hurrion 5-3 4-1, in a match that showed the huge promise these two lads have for the game.

The last match of the tournament was a hugely entertaining 18 and under boys’ doubles.

The scratch pairing of James Marsh and Ollie Toogood just lost out to Swanage’s Charlie March and Richard Davies in a match of long rallies, scrambling defence and good reactions, which ended 6-7 6-4 10-7.

Organiser Sarah Skidmore said: “The tournament was a huge success with 112 people playing throughout the week, in weather that amazingly provided uninterrupted play.

“Many thanks go to all those that helped throughout the week, from referee Chris Penny, to all the providers of homemade cakes that went down so well.”