Last updated 19:44, Thursday, 17 July 2008

BARRY Hunter on Sunday became the first winner of a new memorial trophy to be competed for annually at Workington Ashfield Tennis Club.

MEMORIAL: Ashfield Tennis Club held the inaugural Harry Mitchell Memorial Trophy Tournament involving (back from left) Phil Cram, Andy Cockbain, Julie Hyde, Jenny Cormode and Sandram McAleavey with (front from left) Barry Hunter holding the Harry Mitchell Memorial Trophy for Men, Alex McAleavey holding the Jean Armstrong Trophy for Ladies, Jan Wilson and Victoria Lishman

Club captain Hunter took the Harry Mitchell Trophy after four hours of round robin play and a tough final in the club's annual Mexican Rules tournament for senior mixed couples.

He and ladies’ captain Jan Wilson won the final against Ron Cockbain and Alex McAleavey.

The four finalists played a two-part final - as couples and the reverse couples

Wilson was a clear ladies winner and was awarded a long-established memorial trophy, the Jean Armstrong Rose Bowl, which commemorates a former club player killed in a road crash in 1968.

Hunter’s nip and tuck victory over Cockbain was settled by a tie-break.

The Harry Mitchell Trophy, an inscribed core of Honister green slate, was purchased with a generous donation from the Mitchell family.

Harry, a retired police superintendent, was club president when he died in February after a 40-year association with the club.

The trophies were presented by club chairman John Bethwaite.