Basford tennis players, both aged 80, play latest game in a series going back 20 years

SMASHING: Octogenarian tennis players John Plumb and Derek Newport have played their latest match in a series going back 20 years.

The members of Basford Lawn Tennis Club, both aged 80, have been challenging each other to formal matches for two decades.

And the fourth match in the series ended in a 6-3, 6-3 win for John, meaning both players have now claimed two victories.

John, of West Avenue, said: "We've been playing together for about 30 or 40 years. When we were in our 50s, Derek suggested we play a formal match at 60, which he won. We had a rematch when we were both 70, which he won again.

"I won when we were 75, and now this. It was quite a close match and it was played in good spirit, although there always is a bit of needle.

"People shouldn't think it's just people like us at Basford though – we have a great junior section as well."

Picture: Nick Hands

The Sentinel, 28 October 2014
Courtesy of The Sentinel News & Media