AARON Drage claimed his first ever men’s singles title to become the youngest winner of the trophy at Rayleigh Lawn Tennis Club.

It was one of a hat-trick of crowns the 18-year-old player secured as he won all the showdowns he contested at the Watchfield Road club’s finals day.

He partnered Jack Roberts to success in the 18 and under doubles and defeated George Vile in the under-21 singles.

Drage made a slow start in the men’s final and trailed Steve Higgins 3-0 before bouncing back to take the first set 7-5.

But the teenager, who came through the club’s coaching academy and became part of the coaching team around three years ago, took the second set 6-2 to claim victory.

Emily Watts also secured a hat-trick of titles on finals day.

She retained her ladies’ singles title with a victory over Amelia Farmer, partnered Sarah Jacobs to victory in the ladies’ doubles and then teamed up with club chairman John Whittington to win the over-80s combined event.

But Dave Barham and Amelia Farmer prevented Watts from gaining another trophy by beating her and Gary Coombes in the Mixed Doubles final.

Barham and GCoombes then teamed up together in the men’s doubles final but were defeated for the second year running by Ian Pearson and Steve Farmer.

In the junior events the highlight match was Ollie Crickmay defeating Sonny Jarrold 6-4 6-2 in the Boys’ 16 & Under final. Sonny had already won the Boys’ 14 & Under title.

ADULT RESULTS

Men’s Singles: Aaron Drage bt Steve Higgins 7-5 6-2. Men’s Doubles: Ian Pearson & Steve Farmer bt Dave Barham & Gary Coombes 6-2 6-4. Mixed Doubles: Dave Barham & Amelia Farmer bt Gary Coombes & Emily Watts 7-5 6-0. Ladies’ Singles: Emily Watts bt Amelia Farmer 6-4 6-1. Ladies’ Doubles: Emily Watts & Sarah Jacobs bt Dawn Higgins & Amelia Farmer 6-4 6-3. Men’s Over-35 Singles: Ian Pearson bt Steve Farmer 6-0 6-1. Mixed Vets Doubles: Steve Higgins & Lucia Bigden bt Gary Coombes & Dawn Higgins 6-3 6-4. Men’s Over 50 Singles: Chris Wheeler bt Bill Todman 10-4. Over 80’s Handicap: Emily Watts & John Whittington bt Gary Coombes & Gary Luck 9-8. Parent & Child: Steve & Jim Higgins bt Steve & Amelia Farmer 6-4 6-4. Family Handicap: Steve & Jim Higgins bt Steve & Amelia Farmer 9-8.

JUNIOR RESULTS

21 & Under Singles: Aaron Drage bt George Vile 7-5 6-0. 18 & Under Doubles: Aaron Drage & Jack Roberts won 7-6, 6-0. Boys’ 16 & Under Singles: Ollie Crickmay bt Sonny Jarrold 6-4 6-2. Girls’ 16 & Under Singles: Amelia Farmer bt Emily Thompson 4-6 6-0 6-1. Boys’ 14 & Under Singles: Sonny Jarrold bt Isaac Brown 5-7 6-2 10-3. Girls’ 14 & Under Singles: Emily Thompson bt Sophie Thompson 6-0 6-1. Boys’ 14 & Under Doubles: Mathew Pearson & Oscar Blackwell bt Isaac Pearson & Jim Higgins 6-2 6-2. Boys’ 12 & Under Singles: Luke Byron bt Oscar Blackwell 6-0 6-0. Girls’ 12 & Under Singles: Jessica Gundy bt Carys Werry 7-4.