Happy New Year to all.  The Niblett Cups were played for at the clubs annual Winter Mixed Tournament at the Delta Tennis Centre in Swindon this weekend.  32 players took part, split into two groups of 16.  The two winners of each group then went head to head in a Championship Tie-break for the trophies.  Throughout the course of the evening players enjoyed a good social time while tucking into the add-to buffet and watching the tennis being played.

The unique format of the tournament meant that each pair started with a points total handicap, meaning that they either gained points at the start of each game, or had to win a few extra in order to win a game.  Each match was 6 games in length, with the number of games won going towards a cumulative total in each group.

Group 1 was won by Tony Mulholland and Leanne Harding, combining well and playing good tennis after the Christmas break.  Group 2 was topped by Tony Ambridge and Jane Newell who formed a consistant partnership that proved difficult to break down.

The two pairs faced off in the final tie-break, watched and cheered on by the rest of the entrants from the sidelines.  Tony M and Leanne took an early 6-1 lead and looked on course to claim the title.  However, Tony A and Jane rallied and forced a few errors from the opposition to draw level and then take a 7-6 lead.  From then on points were shared back and forth in a tight finish.  Both pairs had match points but in the end Tony A and Jane triumphed 12-10.

Club President Richard Drury was on hand to present the runners-up and winners prizes.  A big thanks goes to Sarah Fleming for putting the tournament together.  The evening was enjoyed by all, and already next year's tournament is eagerly anticipated.