Warren and Southbridge were celebrating on Sunday night after winning the South West Essex Floodlit League Cup final at Woodford Wells.

It's the first time the holders of the summer Division One title have triumphed in the winter competition.

Led by Mark Bragoli they beat Connaught in a close-fought final that was decided by the final match of the evening.

The match, consisting of two men's doubles and a ladies doubles, started well for Connaught when their ladies pair of Essex County Under 18 player Nicola Rooks and Karen Ledrith defeated Emma Hutley and Sandra Farr 6-4, 6-1.

The men's matches were closer with the Warren top pair of Mark Bragoli and Brian Roberts beating Paul Gold and Luke Rogers 7-5, 6-2 in an entertaining encounter.

In the last rubber of the evening Warren's second pair of George Dianin and John Friend were victorious over Connaught's David Piechulla and John McCarthy 7-5, 6-2.

The trophy was presented by Steve Radley on behalf of the association to a delighted Warren and Southbridge team.

Entries are now being taken for the South West Essex Individual tournaments. Ask at your club for details.

Woodford Green pair Melanie Hardling and Steven Walter have qualified for the national finals of the Caravela Tours Round Robin Tennis Trophy.

Playing in the mixed doubles, the pair have won through local, area and regional groups to reach the climax of the competition, which will be played at the Telford International Centre on April 4.

Holidays to Portugal are up for grabs for the overall winners of the event, organised by the Tennis Times.

Melanie and Steven will be hoping to add to the host of prizes they have already won for getting this far.

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