Hendreds tennis club basked in glory and sunshine on Saturday 28 June. ‘The best time ever’ is how one junior described her experience of the tournament. It was one of the many plaudits the club received for the 2015 tournament. From ‘Great fun’ to ‘Good tennis’, a collection of compliments was received from players and guests at the end of what proved a very successful day. 

Over 40 players, entered the competition which took place under mostly blue skies, a wonderful lead up to Wimbledon fortnight. The event was held on five courts including the club’s own newly refurbished surfaces. 

Once again the player profile included a good mix of ages, some joining the competition for the first time which provided opportunities for surprise and challenge in the tournament. Many of the members had made good use of the clubs weekly ‘turn up and play’ sessions to prepare for the competition, including those who were rediscovering tennis after a number of years from the game.

This year saw the return of a Ladies’ singles competition which will hopefully attract even more entrants next year. Exciting rallies and high standards of tennis were witnessed across all draws, culminating in six separate finals. 

Pimms followed, in the lead up to a delicious barbecue which was topped only by the strawberries and cream which next appeared. As the sun set, the day ended with an entertaining, two-innings ‘all comers’ game of rounders, in which players demonstrated a whole new set of skills, bravery and buffoonery. Thanks to the Eyston, Taylor and Wilson- MacDonald families who loaned their courts and to all who helped stage a fabulous event. The day was smartly summed up by John D’Alton who said, ‘It ain’t just tennis’, reflecting on what it means to members to have a thriving, characterful club where enjoyment of the game and social collaboration is as important as developing play.

2015 tournament results:

Normally the MacKinnon Plate is awarded to an outstanding junior player. This year the plate was presented to the most senior member of the club, John D’Alton. It recognises John’s years of contributing to all aspects of club life. He has coached many of the club’s junior members including some who competed in this tournament as well as many who are now adult, with children of their own. Most of all, John continues to demonstrate his love of the game by taking every opportunity to play.

Junior tournament
Winners: Angus Waddington and Jasmine Spurgeon
Runners up: Florence Masters and Phoebe Taylor/Juliet Ainslie

Adult tournament
Men’s Singles
Winner: Ollie Raban
Runner up: Jason Riley

Men’s doubles
Winners: Ollie and Tom Raban
Runners up: Ollie John and Guy Taylor

Ladies’s singles
Winners: Nicky Penn
Runners up: Bridget Spurgeon

Ladies’ doubles
Winners: Katy Denne and Helen McAlister
Runners up: Susie Turnbull and Nicola Merry

Mixed doubles
Winners: Nicola Merry and Guy Taylor
Runners up: Nicky Raban and Max Robinson