AS SPORTING records go, Margaret Fenwick’s amazing winning streak must rank among one of the best – after competing in what was her 40th consecutive tennis club final.

The player has been involved with Northallerton Tennis Club for most of her life and has now scored her 40th place in a row in the club’s ladies finals.

The championship took place on Sunday (July 17) when she played in the singles and doubles finals through strength sapping hot weather.

Her opponent in the ladies singles was Lyn Thompson, and after a close-fought match, Margaret won.

The longstanding club member joined Northallerton Tennis Club, on Farndale Avenue, when she was just 12, as a junior player. Her sister used to play tennis there with a friend and Margaret, now 58, sat and watched the players for three years until she was old enough to join.

She took part in her first final in 1977 and celebrated her first win the following year.

Over the years she has found herself facing opponents and then their daughters in the finals.

Margaret, who also plays for Northallerton Hockey Club during the winter months, said: “It’s the only tennis club I’ve ever been in. I’ve lived here all my life and I just became part of it, I was just following what my sister did.”

Despite her wins, Margaret, who works in human resources for North Yorkshire County Council, is also well-known for staying modest.

“I have lost many more than I have won, but at least I try; an experienced loser you might say,” she said.

“I’ve won 17 out of 40 finals.

“My biggest challenge and delight over the years has been trying to take Rachel Holden to three sets. A much, much better player than me; Rachel has beaten me 21 times but doesn’t play as much anymore.”

Nimmo Clarke, from Northallerton Tennis Club, said: “Margaret has also represented the club in teams in the Harrogate League and the Ladies Dales League for many years and is a very reliable and capable team member.

“She has also served on our club committee and is currently a very active member and has worked hard for the club for many years.

“She is also very modest and will be very embarrassed by any extra attention but I think that 40 continuous years in the final is an amazing achievement.”