Phoenix Tennis club ladies have returned to the ladies’ premier division of the Colchester and District League for the first time in a number of years but had a tough introduction as they suffered a 9-0 defeat at the hands of Lexden Hill.

In the same division, Lexden Squash A were victorious at The Essex, winning 6-3, although Kerry Porter and Jenny King were in fine form as they got the three sets won by their side.

In division one, Lexden Squash C, having almost beaten the B team in their first match, managed to win 6-3 in the return fixture.

The Essex B went to the top of the division with consecutive 7-2 victories over Frinton B and Kirby A.

In men’s division one, there were victories for Frinton B over West Mersea A and Dedham A over Phoenix A where Peter Cook returned to the courts after many years out with injuries.

The newly-formed Colchester Tennis Centre men’s team got off to an excellent start with a 7-2 win over Phoenix C in division five.

A close battle between the court-sharing clubs of Phoenix and Spring Lane in mixed division one resulted in a 5-4 victory for Phoenix, with Jane Kirk, playing with her son Paul, winning all three sets for Phoenix to tip the result in their favour.

Lexden Squash C remain unbeaten in division four after beating Dovercourt B 7-2.