After the success of last season’s knockout tournament, this year the format remained the same. This time there were a few more entries which helped to improve the standard of the competition overall. As a reminder – the format was the best of three tie break sets, to be played on grass courts only. Both the men’s and ladies’ event proved to be quite popular with the standard being higher than usual meaning that the winners weren’t necessarily obvious from the outset.

As with the previous finals day the weather was nice but there was a strong breeze blowing causing problems for all who were competing. In the Ladies’ event, the final was between five time defending champion Margaret Pendall and first time finalist Claire Brown. Despite putting up a good fight, Margaret was able to get a 6-0 6-0 win and regain her title. This now puts her joint top as the winner of the most singles titles at the club, having now won her seventh.

The Men’s event experienced problems with one of the finalists unable to make the final meaning semi finalist Gary Fitzjohn was given the chance to take the title from James Newton. James was also able to reclaim his title with a 6-1 6-3 victory taking his tally to three straight singles titles.

After the finals was a fun, end of season American Tournament which saw sixteen players (eight men and eight ladies) taking part. It was a fun afternoon’s tennis which unlike last year had no rain meaning unhampered play for around three hours. With a great mix of players’ abilities and ages, it was anyone’s to win thanks to the random nature of the format. The men’s winner was again James Newton for a second year, with Dan Bambridge coming a not too distant second. For the ladies, the winner was Claire Brown which made up for her earlier disappointment, and Jane Page was the runner.

This was followed by a barbecue which was for both members and non members which around forty people attended. With plenty of food, a raffle, and the trophy presentations, there was plenty to keep everyone occupied and made for an enjoyable end to the day.
 

As always, thanks go to Tony for organising the event and again to himself and Allan for umpiring the single’s finals. Everyone who entered had a great day and made for another successful day that will surely grow to be even more popular next year.