FOLLOWING on from some early Easter sunshine, the Bolton Sports Federation Mixed Tennis campaign is now in full swing.

The long awaited summer season had arrived and with a large team entry this year, the players were more than ready to compete for early points. However, as has been the norm over the past few years, the rains arrived and soaked the shale courts to almost unplayable conditions and, despite great efforts from teams to play, the first two weeks have left a small but significant backlog of matches to complete.

The usually infallible Division One champions, Holcombe Brook 'A', started well in week one with a comfortable win over Bradshaw B, but week two saw some nervous play when they encountered newly promoted Next Generation 'A'.

Next Generation drew with Markland Hill 'A' in week one in a closely fought match, but this was a mere warm-up session for their encounter with Holcombe Brook. They eventually lost to Holcombe 51-57, but provided some spirited play along the way which certainly un-nerved the champions. It seems Next Generation are the team to watch this season as they undoubtedly provide a fresh approach to Division One mixed tennis.

All set to make their mark in Division Two this season are Markland Hill 'C and David Lloyd (Manchester), both clubs having convincing victories in weeks one and two, Mainland Hill having the tougher draw in week two against their fellow club mates Markland Hill D which provided some highly entertaining tennis in this inter-club rivalry - final score 47-63.

Once again, Next Generation are the ones to watch as their group of quality 'B' team players make good headway in division three with two straight wins. Newly promoted David Lloyd (Bolton) 'A' are also out to prove their worth this year as they fielded some steady and consistent players to win both matches so far. These teams first meet on June 22 and no doubt this will be a highly competitive encounter and certain to be a close affair.

The difficulty of trying to raise a full team each week is apparent for smaller clubs with dwindling membership and all credit must go to the likes of Harwood Christ Church and Christ Church Walmersley. Both these clubs in division four have made a great start in their bid for promotion this year and both teams still manage to provide quality players despite each new season losing good players to larger clubs. It will be interesting to see the progress of these teams as the season continues.

In Division Six, two new teams have arrived in the league: David Lloyd Bolton C and St.Josephs', David Lloyd making easy progress so far with wins over Barrow Bridge B and Walmer C. St Josephs' are finding the league slightly difficult so far with some heavy defeats at the hands of both Bradshaw C and Elton Vale B. However, early season nerves may dwindle as the season progresses and St. Josephs' have time to make their mark as they settle into the league.