WITH the league expanding this year to 28 clubs, new Chairman Paul Newman is hoping more teams will be encouraged to join the Wharfedale Tennis League and enjoy some competitive but friendly summer tennis.

As he took over from outgoing Chairman Phil Crook at the league’s AGM at Ilkley Tennis Club, Paul welcomed one new club, Riddlesden, to the league, as well as additional teams from Heaton and Austwick. The league currently has four divisions of seven teams playing mixed doubles throughout the summer, from April through to late August. There’s also a cup competition, the Molly Fawcett Trophy, and this year there will be an additional Plate competition for the first-round losers.

At the recent AGM, Newman thanked Crook for his service - five years as Chairman following many years as Fixtures Secretary – and presented him with a gift on behalf of the league.

He said: “The Wharfedale League is growing and we’re looking to expand it further, so if any clubs would like to get involved in future, we’d love to hear from them. It’s a great way to spend a summer evening, playing great tennis with clubs from across the area.”