Tennis: Exceptional Elliot starting to make real name for himself

The 14-year-old is a member of Lancaster Tennis Club where he plays in the successful Fylde League under 17 team, and also Lunesdale Tennis Club in Caton, where he was men’s singles champion this summer and plays in the adult mixed doubles team.

On November 7, Elliot took part in the Queen’s Sports Club Halifax Division 7 Rating Event where he played highly-rated (7.2) Jeremiah Bavington from Yorkshire.

Elliot is also currently rated 7.2 and therefore did very well to win 5-3, 5-4.

He then played Thomas Barnes, who has the same rating, from Northampton where he is ranked ninth in his county.

Again, he won, this time with a very convincing 5-4, 4-0, giving him a 100 per cent success rate on the day.

Earlier in the year, on October 18, Elliot took part in the USN Bolton Arena 14 and Under Winter County tour, where he finished third in the play-off, competing with high standard junior players from all over the north.

In the summer, Elliot also participated in The Lancashire Tennis Championship (grade 3) at USN Bolton Arena. He won his first round match, but lost in the second to Josh Banks 6-2, 6-1.

Josh is more highly-rated – 5.2 – and is ranked fourth in the 14 and under category in Lancashire, so was a very tough opponent for Elliot to take on. Elliot is currently ranked 21st in Lancashire in his age category.

He has worked hard this year, with excellent coaching support from Lancaster Tennis Club coach Eden Parkinson, and organisational help from Junior Co-ordinator Pat Clelland, and looks forward to continuing to improve his game and ranking next season.