Weary bones, a legacy of intensive play on the world circuits, was a problem for at least two of the stronger contenders, England's top seed Tom Spinks and Ireland's John Doran in the Dolmens Irish open senior championships at Templeogue last night.

Spinks (24) had an unexpected tough challenge from Robert Cherry (21) of Sandycove before stumbling through in a final set. "I was taken aback by him in the second set," said Spinks who was resting after a strenuous stint on the American circuit when he was asked to compete. Cherry put Spinks, a first-round loser at Wimbledon this year, through the mill with good returns and serves to take the second set 6-3.

Spinks said after: "I was glad to accept the invitation to play for I would really like to win this title. I have been in the final three times without much luck."

John Doran the number four seed, not unlike Spinks, looked a little short on energy while in the process of dismissing unseeded South African Daniel Sewell 6-2 6-2. The Irish Davis Cup man and Ireland's highest world ranked player had been accumulating ATP points abroad.

Conor Niland, the reigning Irish junior champion from last Saturday, was among the home winners. Owen Casey, seeded five, also went through with ease at the expense of James Colhoun.