Social Mixed Doubles Champions Dennis & Auriol
There was an early start to this year’s Finals’ Day with the Social Mixed Doubles starting at 11 a.m. at the request of the finalists. This event is open to club members who have not played in league matches for the club – which suggests that competitors might have a friendly, gentler approach to the game. Not so! From the very start of the finals’ match, it became evident that the four players were every bit as competitive as the rest of the tournament entrants who’d fought their way to the finals. Dennis Patient & Auriol Mayo took the first set, then Colin Rees & Beryl May held on to an early lead in the second set. At the beginning of the third set, Beryl & Colin showed even more determination not to be beaten with Beryl really going for the winning shots and Colin playing a very active tactical game with some particularly well-judged lobs. Colin & Beryl were soon 4 -1 up and lesser opposition might have given up at that point – but not Dennis & Auriol. Dennis used his height advantage at the net & consisiently produced fine volleys & overhead smashes, while Auriol played a supporting defensive game. This combination of attacking & relentless defenceless play brought them back into the match and although the longer the match went on, the harder it was for either pair to make the winning shot, Denns & Auriol eventually overcame Colin & Beryl by 7 games to 5 in the third set – after two and a half hours’ play. (Dennis had been booked to sing at a wedding in the afternoon & it’s a testament to his fitness that he was fully recovered & in fine voice by the time he arrived at the church!)
Men's Singles Finalists, Adam & David
- Charlotte & Emma
The Social Mixed Doubles Final was followed by the Men’s & Ladies Singles Finals, featuring the club’s up and coming young talent - all the finalists were aged between 15 & 17 years old. The Ladies’ Singles was a demonstration of attacking top spin play from both of the talented teenaged players, but Emma’s greater match play experience and ‘leftie’ finesse enabled her to win in two sets, despite some fine play from Charlotte.
The Men’s Singles was an interesting contrast in styles, played between two friends, Adam & David, who are the very successful number one doubles’ pair in the club’s 16 & under Boys’ Team. It was soon evident that Adam was totally committed to winning the title of Men’s Singles’ Champion and he played aggressive attacking tennis from the start of the match, using his developing physical strength to produce some awesome shots in his determination to outplay his opponent. David put up an equally determined resistance and his defensive play impressed and delighted the spectators, especially when David took Adam to ten deuces in one game and when David produced his finest defence in what proved to be the last game of the match. However, Adam kept his focus throughout the match and with an impressive display of power play, won the Men’s Singles title in two sets.
Meriel & Elaine - note the lucky shorts!
The Ladies’ Doubles featured Emma again, partnered by Jane Hendry, and they were facing Elaine Mousley & Meriel Elford, finalists for the first time. It was a closely fought three set contest with Elaine & Meriel taking the first set 6-4, then losing the second set 3–6. As often happens in three set matches, the third set was a runaway 6-0 in favour of Elaine & Meriel, who, wearing their lucky team strip, proved to be determined and worthy winners.
Meanwhile, on the next court, Adam Drysdale, partnered by Geoff Morris, was facing his father Pete, partnered by Trevor Waughman (Previous Champions). This proved to be a very competitive and highly entertaining match. Trevor & Pete took the first set by 6 games to 4. Then the second set had an incredible eleven consecutive breaks of serve! Was that brought about by awesome returns? Adam & Geoff eventually won the set 7-5 and then pulled ahead in the third set. Pete & Trevor are too experienced to give in easily and managed to survive two match points, but Adam & Geoff held on to win, 6-3.(It should be noted that Pete & Trevor had already played three sets in the morning in their semi-final match against another pair of talented youngsters. What if …!)
Pete, Trevor; Geoff, adam
The spectators were all in need of a cuppa after the excitement of the Men’s Doubles, so thanks to Sarah Impey & Sue Brown, there followed a tea interval before the Mixed Doubles Final – in which Adam was making his third appearance of the afternoon.
Partnered by Jane Hendry (her second final) Adam was this time taking on his Men’s Doubles partner, Geoff Morris, who was playing with Anne Heathorn. Unfortunately, with the score tied at three games all, and half-way through the seventh game, the rain interrupted play and the decision was made to resume the match on the following Thursday evening. It’s always difficult to re-commence a match in the middle of a service game and a quick break gave Adam & Jane the chance they needed, and they went on to take the first set 6-3. Geoff & Anne subsequently failed to capitalise when they were in a winning situation in games and they lost the second set by 4 games to 6.
This win meant that Adam had joined the ranks of ‘the exclusive few’ who have won all three events in the same year. Very well done, Adam!
Thanks to all who took part in the tournament; congratulations to all of the 2008 Club Champions; commiserations to all the losing finalists. Thanks also to Geoff, Anne & Vivienne for the work they put into organising another successful club tournament.
Another 4-0 win for our Vets Ladies, this time at home over Milford. The winning team consisted of Anne & Erika and Sue & Wendy.
Well done everybody.
EW
