TENNIS: David Lloyd Basildon have made history by playing their first ever match in the Leigh & Westcliff LTA leagues.

Luke Mayes, Simon Hardie, Blase Walton, Phil Taylor, Max Cole and Bradley Hawkins all produced fine performances as their team triumphed against Southend Lawn on home soil.

And David Lloyd Basildon’s racquets manager Blase Walton is pleased to see the club lining up in the league for the first time.

He said: “I have been the racquets manager at David Lloyds Basildon for over one year now and I’m really pleased to say we have played our first Leigh & Westcliff men’s match.

“It was a great experience for us all too.

“We had more than 20 supporters come and watch and they weren’t disappointed.

“If anything it has inspired them to want to compete in the league as well which is in my plans.

“This is just the beginning and we will have more teams competing.

“We have built a really good community at David Lloyd Basildon and I want to share the love.”

David Lloyd Basildon won all three of their doubles matches against Southend Lawn and will now be looking to build on their opening day success.