Tennis Club Championships Report

(Matthew Towers, 27^th September 2017) — The weekend of 23/24 September saw some lovely weather and the culmination of our first tennis Club Championships, with the semi-finals on Saturday and finals day on Sunday for both the Open and Veterans (O45) competitions. It was a great weekend, full of wonderful tennis and hard-fought battles.

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

Mens Singles

Many congratulations to our first Open Men’s and Ladies singles champions: James Keothavong and Claire Raddan – both very worthy winners. James nimbly swapped the umpire’s chair for the playing arena, and had a titanic battle with Richard Ernest in the final, eventually prevailing 10-6 in the Championship tie-break. Richard goes down as one of our bravest and unluckiest competitors as he also lost the Vets Singles Final 7-6, 6-2 to Lucio Sarno. Well done Lucio – I knew you would win after beating me in the quarters! J

[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

Vets – Ladies Doubles

The Open Ladies Singles was one of three Open titles won by Claire Raddan. She also took the Mixed with Nick Sleap and the Ladies Doubles with Sam Head. The Ladies Doubles Final was one of the highlights of Sunday, and was in the balance right up to the final point – Claire and Sam eventually prevailed 10-8 in the Championship tie-break over Amanda Greenland and Emma Tatum-Hume. A truly titanic battle! It is worth mentioning that Sam Head won this title despite playing in her very first tournament. It just goes to show what can happen when you combine good coaching with talent and a tough, competitive streak!

[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

Vets – Mixed Doubles

In the Vets Tournament, the Ladies Doubles was won by Amanda Greenland and Diane Webley over Sophie Bassett and Jayne Stringer (6-2, 6-1), although again a big “well done” to Jayne, who was playing her first ever competition.  Di Webley also won the Vets Mixed, in partnership with Andy Wiltshire. They beat Lucio Sarno and Amanda Greenland in the final – both of whom looked like they ran out of steam after a tough weekend of matches.

[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

Vets – Mens Doubles

In the Vets Men’s Doubles, I was lucky enough to take the trophy, thanks to some unbelievable play from my partner Tony “The Wall” Blott. Thanks to runners-up Dave Etheridge and Andy Wiltshire for letting me win a title!

Many thanks to Nick and Rachel for all of their efforts arranging the tournament and especially the finals weekend – a tough job which was made to look easy. Rachel superbly kept the Facebook community updated throughout the weekend with regular match updates, which I know went down very well with those who could not attend in person.

Also, a big “thank you” is due to all those who took part. A special mention for Emma Tatum-Hume, who reached the final in all three Open competitions, but did not quite manage to take a title. Next year Emma! Speaking of next year, I am already looking forward to it. Lucio, I am after your Vets Singles title!!

2017 Club Championship Finals Results

Open Tournament

Veterans Tournament

 [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]