It was only the second time that GLTC Finals Day had been held in mid summer, and the weather mostly played ball, with hot sun, lots of humidity and many drinks purchased from the bowlers' bar!

It was widely commented that this was one of the best finals day many had seen in terms of quality, and there were some terrific matches.

The day begun in searing heat, and the first winners of the day were Mark Herron and Chris Hollins in the mixed handicap doubles, who put on a consistent display seeing off Heather Hislop and Simon Mothersole to win in straight sets. There was some great action over on Court 1, which saw Jonny Hays and Sue Trousdale stage a second set rally in the Mixed Doubles against favourites Mark McPeake and Phoebe Spryidopoulous, but in the end also falling in straight sets.

Mixed Handicap Doubles, finalists from left to right:

Mark Herron and Chris Hollins, winners and Heather Hislop and Simon Mothersole, runners up.

Mixed Doubles finalists, from left to right:

Mark McPeake and Phoebe Spryidopolous, winners, club president Paul Dixon, Sue Trousdale and Jonathan Hays, runners up.

A healthy crowd witnessed the first championship tiebreak (in leu of a third set for h'cap matches) played in the club finals, with Jane Carter and Sue Taylor overcoming starting the breaker at minus two to beat Rachel Watterson and Sarah Stewart 11-9 in a thrilling Women's Handicap Doubles.

Ladies Handicap Doubles Finalists, from left to right:

Jane Carter and Sue Taylor, winners, tournament organiser Jack Grummitt, Sarah Stewart and Rachel Watterson, runners up

There was added interest on the day with the junior finals, with Will Das (Under 16 Boys), Henry Stewart (Under 14 Boys) and Millie Aitken (Under 14 Girls) taking home the trophies - congratulations. A big shoutout to runners up Oliver Aitken, Henry Herron and Hannah Watson.

Boy’s under 16 singles, finalists from left to right:

Will Das, winner with Sean Byrne and Oliver Aitken, runner up.

Boy’s under 14 singles, finalists from left to right:

Henry Herron, runner up with Sean Byrne and Henry Stewart, winner.

Girls under 14 singles finalists :

Millie Aitken, winner on left with Hannah Watson, runner up.

It should also be noted that Millie defeated Hannah in the Round Robin Final prior to finals day.

Carter and Taylor were back on court again for the Women's Open Doubles, but top seeds Sue Trousdale and Kate Mabbott were too strong, prevailing in two sets and once again taking the crown in that event.

Ladies Doubles finalists, from left to right:

Sue Trousdale and Kate Mabbott, winners, Paul Dixon, and Sue Taylor and Jane Carter, runners up.

There was more breaker drama on Court 3, where Mick and Chris Lewis wrestled back their Men's Handicap Doubles trophy for the first time in two years, beating Richard Bergman and Simon Mothersole 10-6 in the breaker.

Men’s Handicap Doubles, finalists from left to right:

Richard Bergman and Simon Mothersole, runners up and Chris Lewis and Mick Lewis, winners.

The rain came, but thankfully passed as Court 1 was treated to another classic men's singles final, with Josh Spurling pushing Mark McPeake all the way, with the latter prevailing in three sets to collect his 18th GLTC singles title, his first in 1984.

Men’s singles finalists, from left to right:

Mark McPeake, winner, Paul Dixon and Josh Spurling, runner up.

McPeake and Spurling faced each other again in the mens' open doubles with respective partners Sean Byrne and Matty Cooper, and despite a fightback in the second set, the more experienced pair had too much in the locker, and won in straight sets, giving coach Sean his first GLTC tournament victory.

Men’s Doubles finalists, from left to right:

Sean Byrne and Mark McPeake, winners, Paul Dixon, Matty Cooper and Josh Spurling, runners up, and Jack Grummitt.

The final match of the day was a great match on paper, and so it proved, with Daisy Rutter and Kate Mabbott facing off in the women's open singles. After a cagey first set taken by Daisy on a tiebreak, the match just got better and better and the big crowd were treated to some great rallies and terrific winners from both players. In the end it was Daisy who prevailed and regained her title, taking home the Thompson Trophy for the second year.

Lady Singles finalists, from left to right: 

Daisy Rutter, winner, Paul Dixon and Kate Mabbott, runner up

Overall - a fantastic day with great tennis. Here's to 2026!

Note from the President, Paul Dixon:

Huge thanks to all those who came along to GLTC championship finals day, both players and spectators, and congratulations to the winners. I thought the day was a great success despite some attempts by the weather to spoil things.  The standard of tennis on show was very high across the board and it was great to see all the courts so well supported, illustrating what a good place the club is in.  Finally my biggest thank you goes to Jack Grummitt who organised the whole championship and ran finals day brilliantly, he leaves big shoes to fill as he steps back from the role. 

Our Secretary, Hamish Bredin, comments:

I would also like to add my appreciation to Jack who put in a herculean effort in getting these draws created & pushed the players to compete & complete on time! Thanks everyone who took part in making it a great day!