Out in Seven Lakes recently there was a busy weekend. Remember, I told you that they were having an inter-community tennis tournament for "an old trophy clock."

They called this the "Challenge Clock Tournament" -- some of us just called it "The Showdown." It was the North and South communities against the West Side community.

In all, 44 players formed mixed doubles teams (that's a man and a woman on each team), competed for bragging rights, and the right to keep possession of the challenge clock until the next community event. There hasn't been a challenge in several years, but after the success with this one there will most definitely be another in the near future.

There were 4.0 rated players (now that's good tennis), and 3.5, 3.0 and lots of unrated players, but no one cared.

People who hadn't seen each other in years came together on a glorious sunny Sunday afternoon.

A great party was shared by everyone who played and those who just came to watch.

Guess you wonder who won? Well, the West Side was triumphant -- this time. They got the trophy.

The North-South team had threatened to keep the battery to the clock, but after the party the battery remained in the clock. I guess you could say that the North-South team got "their clock cleaned"!

Over at The Pinehurst Tennis Club recently, a pretty terrific weekend of tennis was shared by 36 players from all over North Carolina. It was called The Vic Braden Experience -- a weekend "camp-like" tennis clinic. This is for the most passionate players, those willing to spend five hours on the court a day. Now that will make or break ya! Each day ended with a "social" hour, and the "Pinehurst Pro Boys" (Matt Downing and his pros) treated everyone to an exhibition tennis match. It was great fun in a beautiful park-like setting.

Lawn and Tennis had two of the club teams just return from Winston-Salem where they participated in the State USTA Combo League Tournament. This is a format that features a combination of two levels of play playing as one team against a team of the same. The 8.5 men's team captained by Chris Auman, and the 5.5 ladies' team captained by Leah Burger, each won at the local league level and went on to play well in the state tournament. Kudos to both teams.

L&T now has all seven of its courts ready for night play. It is really a great sight to see driving into the club entrance on Morganton Road with seven lit courts, all full of players. What a true testament to the growth of tennis in our area.

Well, folks, life is never dull when you're a tennis player. I keep telling you, it's not hard to get involved.

I bet a bunch of you say "I played years ago" blah, blah, blah -- so how come you're not playing now -- it's never too late.

The fun, the exercise, and all that good stuff can be yours all over again. Have I convinced you yet?

You can bet I'll keep on trying -- until next time -- I hope I see you on the courts!!!

Barbara Horan can be reached at horan@earthlink.net