Manydown Tennis Centre played host to Hampshire’s elite primary school mini red tennis players, who battled it out for the coveted Yogi Bear shield.

The tournament, in its 12th year, was sponsored by building contractors R W Arms-trong and saw pupils from seven local primary schools send teams of Year 1 and 2 pupils.

Cheam saw off stiff competition from Sherborne St John and St Neots, before edging out a narrow 10-8 victory over Grantham in order to top group A.

Meanwhile, things in group B were just as close. After an 11-8 victory over Daneshill, Home Farm fought back to book their spot in the final with a dramatic 14-13 win over Farleigh.

In front of more than 100 spectators, the final was a nervous affair.

Cheam stormed to an early lead, only for Home Farm to stage another fight back in order to ensure it was their name engraved on the trophy for an unprecedented fourth time.

After some post match dinner there were scenes of celebration as Taylor Long, Max Horton, Johnny Webb and Dylan Farbrother lifted the trophy in front of a packed house.

Manydown’s head coach and tournament organiser Bryan Farrelly said: “The Yogi Bear Shield has grown year after year. The parents, spectators, children and players had a great time and thanks to the generosity of the sponsors R W Armstrong all the children went home with goody bags.

“The standard of tennis has risen each and every year I’m pleased to say more and more schools are looking to qualify for the finals.”