THE champagne that was flowing after last week's League championship victory tasted a little flat for Clitheroe's open tennis team this week, as they succumbed to Accrington B by three matches to one in their last match of the season.

They encountered an Accrington quartet who are themselves pushing hard for one of the promotion spots and although Mick Dewhurst and Daniel Bush managed to secure a victory in one of their matches, Barry Taylor and Steve Higson drew a blank in both of their rubbers, giving their hosts victory by a fair margin.

Fortune favoured Clitheroe's mixed four of Julie Pym, Mick Dewhurst, Christine Smitton and Tony Bush as they brushed aside Crow Wood B to sweep to a 4-0 victory.

Both pairs were well in control and with other results going their way, the Chatburn Road team were able to make a late push up the table in what has proved to be a very competitive league.

The climax to the club's season is traditionally the knockout finals day, which takes place this Sunday starting at noon. A large crowd is expected with some mouth-watering tennis anticipated especially in the ladies and mens singles finals.

In the ladies decider Louise Burrill will be looking to wear down the patience of Mary Brass, while in the mens final the youth of 15-year-old Ben Dyer will be pitted against the match-play experience of Stephen Pym.

With 10 junior and senior titles to be resolved and Mick Dewhurst's celebrated catering and a bouncy castle as extra incentives, there should be something to keep everyone entertained and interested.