THE BSF Tennis Junior 2004 Howarth Cup Handicap knockout final this year was a real David and Goliath contest, but unlike the biblical story this encounter ended with Goliath winning.

After five fully competitive rounds, the finalists came from opposite sides of the Junior League, with Markland Hill C from Division Five squaring up to Lostock A from Division One.

Junior tennis embraces all ages under 17, and the disparity between size and ability can be greater than in senior tennis, and this match was a contrast of epic proportions.

Both teams arrived at Bolton's David Lloyd Centre confident of their abilities, and both played to their strengths resulting in a good battle with plenty of rallies.

The Markland Hill team stayed cool and took the fight to their opponents, gamely scrapping every inch of the way, and in the face of much stronger fire-power they gave nothing away and forced Lostock A to battle for every point.

Playing behind superior serving power and speed on to the ball the Lostock team dominated all the play and positions, eventually running out 72-63 winners.

BSF Tennis Vice-Chair Alan Prince presented the Howarth Cup to the winners, and complemented both teams on a truly sporting encounter, and he assured the young Markland Hill team that their time would come.

WINNERS: Lostock A, left to right (back row) Jack Brazel, Paul Christie, Christian Kleeli, Sarah Small, Jane Lister; (front row) Jamie Whittle, Callum Hesketh, Lucy Bowden, Stephanie Gill.