Mary Le Druillenec from Heighington gave herself a break from studies at Birmingham University to win the Durham Open Under 19 girls singles title in Gateshead last Sunday.

She beat the county's newest rising star Louise Trueman, from Harrowgate Hill, by 11-4, 12-13, 11-1 in the final, after knocking out Hayley Mogg of Leicestershire in the semi-finals. Miss Trueman had beaten Yorkshire's Hannah Starkey.

Mary also won the doubles with Miss Mogg over Miss Starkey and Northumberland's Gillian Nelson.

Peter Williams from Barnard Castle fought hard against Lancashire's Nick Hodgson, but had to be content with second place in the boys' singles having beaten Greg Rumble (Leicestershire) in the semis in three ends.

The Teesdale teenager and Gareth John from Stockton were beaten finalists in the doubles - by Hodgson and his regular partner Luke Brudenell from near Northallerton.

John was a semi-finalist in the mixed with Miss Mogg and runner-up in the plate singles.

* Durham County's three teams are not expecting any earth-shattering achievements in this year's Inter County Championships as many changes in team personnel have occurred before the programme of matches really started.

The firsts beat Yorkshire IV 11-4 at home and included Darlington's Kevin Raper, who won both doubles with Jim Lowdon. Junior Louise Trueman made her senior county debut.

After winning the men's singles through Evan Clark and Andrew Pollard, Durham took seven of eight doubles to clinch the result in division 2A.

The second team introduced Alison Gent from Aycliffe for the first time, but she was the only "southerner" in the side. Notts III won by 12-3 in group 3A.

The all-junior third team went down to Lincs II at home by 11-4, with Kirsty Whitehouse, Adam Coulson and Ian Lambert winning singles.