ALDERLEY Edge’s tennis star Seb Jackson claimed his hat-trick at the National Grass Court Championships.

Jackson claimed the singles title and was in the final of the doubles, at the All England Club.

His singles crown completed the national ‘domestic grand slam’ of all three over-35s singles titles - indoor, clay and grass.

The elements denied Jackson the chance to play his first two matches on Wimbledon’s grass courts, having to contend with the all-weather courts nearby.

Relatively untroubled in those matches, he beat Ian Baggett and Richard Hayes to claim a place in the semi-final.

Facing his regular doubles partner, left-hander Steve Davies, Jackson won the first set comfortably before coming back from 3-0 down to take the second.

In the final, Jackson took on Middlesex-based Australian Gregory Howe, a world ranked player in the open game who showed good form throughout his summer international tournament play.

"I got off to a great start again, using my experience of playing on a low bouncing grass court surface to good effect," he said.

"The second set was much closer than the score suggests especially towards the final stages, and I was delighted when I saw his final backhand sail long to give me the trophy and complete my hat-trick."

Jackson’s elation turned to disappointment in the doubles competition , as he and Davies were beaten 7-6 7-5 by Martin Guntrip and Gary Drake.

The pairs had to return to the indoor courts to complete the final, of which he said: "Our opponents played some inspired tennis at the crucial final stages.

"I was feeling drained emotionally, having felt the weight of the expectation of being number one seed all week."

Jackson also put up a good showing in the British South of England 35 and over tournament in Eastbourne.

Participants came from Columbia, Italy and Scandinavia, but the grass court experience of the homegrown players proved a key factor.

Seb said: "In the quarter-finals I defeated a very gutsy and determined Jeremy Priddle of Dorset who was prepared to dive all over the court. I won in straight sets but it was an uncomfortably edgy affair.

"In the semifinals I played probably the best match I had played all year to defeat tall serve-and-volleyer Daniel Cole 6-1 6-0. I came through a tight opening service game and then just never looked back."

Jackson’s final served up a rematch with Davies.

With his returns paying dividends, Jackson took the initiative and, despite a strong comeback from Davies, he held out to win 6-1 6-3.

In the doubles final, his scratch partnership with Over-40s champion Nick Fullwood saw them get the better of Victor Salazar Pinillos from Columbia and Gary Stanford from Berkshire, winning 6-1 6-0.

The Edge star also achieved the dizzy heights of a career high over 35 world ranking of number two, for a single day in September, but he is now positioned at number three.

"I am unlikely to be able to defend my indoor trophy early next year," he said. "As the dates clash with the impending arrival of my second child."

He will now return to the practice courts For now, then, it is just back to the practice courts in his bid for the world title.