PERSHORE Tennis Centre have enjoyed a stellar year so far in 2019.

They fielded three men's teams in the South Warwickshire summer and winter leagues for the first time.

The A team were winter runners-up in Division One to Ardencote A with captain Jon Guppy earning 15 wins from 18 matches.

Pershore's B side edged Wythall to finish top of Division Four while the C players won Division Seven after going unbeaten with 13 victories from 14 fixtures.

The teams only lost three out of 42 games with the improved form helped by the efforts of head coach Steve Bauer and a growing club membership of more than 400.

There was also Herefordshire and Worcestershire League success with the A side runners-up in Division Three East and the B players topping Division Six East.

In the South Warwickshire summer competition, the A team were Premier Division runners-up and the B outfit, led by men's captain Dave Morris, claimed the Division Two title.

The C players, captained by Neil Thompson, took the Division Five crown after winning all 14 matches.

In the Herefordshire and Worcestershire summer competition, the B team are eyeing promotion from Division Six East.

Junior players have been given their chance with the likes of Anthony Fordham, Dan Walker and Matt Sime impressing.

Club coach Mike Langston, who runs the Pershore-based county under 18s squad, has played a key role in their development.

His Pershore futures squad on Friday evenings attracts juniors from all over the county.

Guppy said: "We are great believers in developing juniors, pairing them with experienced older players and giving them responsibility.

"We also like to mix up the pairings so they become comfortable with different partners."

Bauer said: "I’m proud to be part of the men’s tennis set-up at Pershore, working closely with team captains.

"There’s a great spirit and great commitment from all and our Thursday night team training sessions have made that crucial difference between just doing well and now competing on equal terms with all the top clubs in the county and beyond."

In addition, the mixed team won Division One in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire set-up under the guidance of skipper Simon Corbishley.