Tennis: Talented teenagers receive Lancs call.

Byline: IAN HARGRAVES

THE growing strength of women's (or at least girls) tennis in Liverpool is emphasised by the fact that two of those contesting the Ladies Open singles at the Liverpool Parks tournament at Calderstones yesterday have been called on to represent the full Lancashire team.

Teenagers Gemma Bisson and Antonia `Tootsie' Nugent have eventually agreed to turn out for the county seniors, despite initial reluctance caused by their desire to challenge for the prestigious Junior tournament at Upton.

Despite still being teenagers, both girls have come on rapidly thanks to regular competition in the Liverpool League and first class coaching at the Wavertree Tennis Centre.

County captain Lillian Geey, of Liverpool Cricket Club, said she fully understands their doubts, but is confident they will benefit from playing in a highly-competitive atmosphere with adults.

The Upton junior is a favourite tournament with both players, who also enjoy playing on grass, but they have finally been persuaded this is a wonderful chance to develop their game - and attract outside attention.

Lancashire play in Group Two, having been relegated last year, and will be without several of their leading players, including Jane O'Donoghue, Alex Niepel, Rachel Viollet and possibly Helen Broome, so the Liverpool youngsters could hardly expect a tougher baptism.

Both were in action at the Parks tournament yesterday evening, where they were expected to meet in the final of the Ladies Open singles.

They might, however, find one or two tough obstacles on the way, notably in the person of hardhitting Jenna Webster, who is younger than either but possibly even more promising.

All three girls are now being coached by Anthony Hardman at the Wavertree centre, and from September, Jenna will be attending four hours a day with the full approval of her school, St Hilda's, even though she has still to take her GCSEs.

Preoccupation with exams has held many promising players back in the past, but St Hilda's are just one of two or three Liverpool schools who are beginning to realise that tennis can be as good a career as almost anything else.