Summer Club Championships Finals
Date: Sunday 22nd July
Venue: Devizes Sports Club
A scorching day in mid-summer was the setting for the annual FInals Day at Devizes Tennis Club. The tournament is played out over the Spring months, starting in April. The knockout format produces finals for Mixed, Mens, Ladies doubles and Mens and Ladies singles, as well as the Veterans singles. The defeated first round players enter the Plate competitions in each category, so there are many finals to be played on this day.
The club was decked out in its coloured bunting by the courts and put out spectator seating, as well as a gazebo providing some much needed shade, where a BBQ, strawberries and cream and cakes were served. The first finals were the mixed doubles, starting at 10am.
Mixed Doubles - Ginny Dalrymple & Gareth Thomas V Alison Plummer & Carl Orlans
The main mixed doubles final was a close affair between two tightly matched pairs. Alison and Carl had come through a hard section of the draw, defeating last years winners and runners up in the process. They continued their good form with a 6-4, 7-6 win.
Mixed Doubles Plate - Leanne Harding & James Bedford V Sarah Fleming & Simeon Holmes
Sarah and Sim stepped in to complete the Plate final line up against Leanne and James. They made the most of the opportunity to win in straight sets, opening up the days play as the spectators started to arrive.
Ladies Singles - Ginny Dalrymple V Karen Perrett
The two top ladies at the club faced off against each other in the Ladies FInal. There have been close encounters beween these two in the past but not so this time with Ginny coming through comfortably in straight sets to take her third Singles title in four years.
Mens Singles - Simeon Holmes V Rhys Schell
In a rerun of last years final, where Rhys won on a champions tie-break, the same two faced off again. Breaks were exchanged early on before Sim came on the stronger to claim the first set. There was a brief interlude while play was moved to a separate court due to the prospect of incoming cricket balls. The second set was a tighter affair, going one way and then the other. Sim led 4-2 before trailing 4-5 and then eventually breaking twice to secure the second set, and end Rhys' 4 year winning streak. Score: 6-2, 7-5
Mens Singles Plate - Dave Clarke V Gareth Thomas
Dave had done well to make his way through the Plate draw to the final against Gareth. It was just a step too far though with Gareth winning in straight sets and claim the much coveted Pimms Cider Cup.
Mens Doubles - Simeon Holmes & Ian Dunstone V James Bedford & Ollie Andrew
Attempting to win a fourth straight doubles crown, Ian and Sim faced off against James and Ollie, who had produced the shock of the tournament in the semi-finals. They showed why they had done so well by taking the match into a champions tie-break after the first two sets finished 6-2, 2-6. Sim and Ian kept their composure though to win 10-6.
Mens Doubles Plate - Tony Ambridge & Adrian Boud V Gareth Thomas & Tony Mulholland
Tony A and Adrian put on a dominant display in the Mens Doubles Plate event to deliver the dreaded double bagel to Gareth and Tony M.
Ladies Doubles - Ginny Dalrymple & Elaine Davis V Alison Plummer & Leanne Harding
In her third final of the day, Ginny and Elaine paired up against last years defending champions, Alison and Leanne. They were the dominant force and won in straight sets.
Ladies Doubles Plate - Sarah Fleming & Karen Perrett V Jude Piper & Jancis Dawe
In another close doubles contest that went to a champions tie-break, Sarah and Karen came out on top, 10-8 in the closest contest of the day.
Veterans Singles - Bill Westcott V Mark Evans
The Vets final was a repeat of the Mens Plate Quarter Final, which was won by Bill in three long sets. Mark was able to turn the tables in the final however, winning in 2 sets.