Congleton Lawn Tennis Club’s annual mixed tournament kindly sponsored by Fizz and Chips took place in ideal weather last Saturday . In warm, but not too warm, conditions, the ten handicapped pairs took to the courts. With handicaps ranging from a ‘-40’ to ‘+15’, it was mental muscles as much as physical ones which were going to be stretched as the competing pairs sought to keep track of their scores.
The ten pairs had been separated into two different groups, with each pair having to play four ‘first to five’ set shout-outs. The tennis was of a high standard throughout and, although full bloodied and determined, the matches were played with universal good humour and grace. The organiser did see one particularly fierce forehand directed at close quarters towards the face of an opponent, but some nimble Steffi Graf footwork facilitated a very fortuitous narrow escape and prevented blood being shed on this happy occasion. Guesses as to who was responsible can be sent in a stamped address envelope to the club!
Mike Massey and Beth Hitchin emerged as worthy winners from Group ‘A’. Powerful serving from Mike and consistently deeply driven drives from Beth enabled them to resist their significant handicap. Runners-up in the group were Peter Dallow and Larissa Walls who combined effectively together throughout their matches to only lose one match during this round-robin stage.
In Group ‘B’, Adam and Louise Goodall emerged as winners. Disguise and power from Adam, together with deft touches at net from Louise meant that they were rarely troubled by their opposition. Matt Parker and Helen Dyson drew upon their wells of experience and guile to ensure that they defied their ‘-40’ handicap and make it through as group runners-up.
The winners of each group then faced off against the runners-up of the opposite group in the two hard-fought semi-finals. Matt and Helen eventually overcame Mike and Beth 5-4 whilst Peter and Larissa overcame Adam and Louise 5-3. Although this was the 5th set for each of the pairs, the standard of tennis did not drop and proved to be an entertaining visual feast for those watching from the club’s balcony.
In an interesting twist, in Helen and Peter, this year’s final saw last year’s two champions facing off against each other on opposite sides of the net! Despite hotly contested games, Matt and Helen eventually emerged as worthy champions 5 -1. As a ‘-40’ pairing, they had played far more individual points than any other team and can only be regarded as very deserving victors. Will Helen return next year to fight for a third consecutive crown? Only time will tell. See you in September 2020! 

Craig Robinson