As the lawn tennis season draws to an end, we would like to congratulate all of the winners of the club championships held on the 9th and 10th September. Despite some extremely hot weather (and sudden downpours) during the championship weekend, there were some really good matches played in front of an appreciative crowd.

The men's singles final between Dougal Reed and James Gray was a particularly hard-fought affair with Dougal just prevailing in two sets. Michelle Ridley was victorious in the ladies final against Laura Turnbull Lloyd and in the ladies doubles Jane Laycock and Sally Laverick had a terrific two hour tussle with Jan Strong and Rachel Langford to come out on top in three sets. Men's doubles winners were James Gray and first timer Adam Plumpton who pipped Dougal Reed and Ko Okazaki and mixed doubles winners were Jane and Dennis Laycock over Rachel Langford and Dougal Reed.

The Most Improved Player award was a difficult task for the judges to decide. There were several good candidates but the winner was Barbara Ridley who, after a strong season of playing and involvement in club affairs, was a worthy winner.

Thank you to Sally and James for organising the tournaments and to Jane also for keeping the clubhouse in good order for the event and indeed the season!

A mini tennis competition was also held on finals Saturday and, following a round robin format, Elliott Jackson emerged the winner, with Jack Barella and Lucy Nelson runners-up. The coaches were very pleased with their performances and their enthusiasm was great to see.

Dennis Laycock