After an absence of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was wonderful to welcome players from all over the county to EATSC for our charity tournaments – this year all in aid of TENNISABLE – a multi-award-winning operation run by Derek Perry & Jeremy Storr – providing tennis coaching for the disabled and disadvantaged. The popular raffles at each event raised a fantastic total of £1,550. Many thanks to all who contributed.
All three days were blessed with very tennis-friendly weather – sunny and dry – as we welcomed 16 pairs of ladies. A new format was introduced with each match comprising 11 games in a Compass Draw whereby first-round winners go forward, losers go backwards and downwards – ensuring everyone got four matches over the course of the morning with a coffee-break in between.
As ever, Derek Perry conducted the proceedings and we have to thank club manager, Alasdair, for the use of the facilities, Sharon for the delicious lunches and Sandra for making endless cups of cappuccinos!
The NICHE FLOWERS-sponsored tournament was held on 25th May. The winners were Sarah Wells and Sally Juler (Diss/Lowestoft) who beat Kate Smith & Linda Green (Beccles). They were presented with fabulous bouquets of flowers from Niche by Diane Bush, the tournament’s organiser.
The inaugural FRESH HERB SALT-sponsored tournament was held on a very warm 29th June. EATSC players, Cathy Merry & Rosie Sethia were the ultimate victors in the forward draw beating Beverley Barber & Lisa Bligh (Diss/Beccles). The winners of the backward draw were Sheila Armes & Sarah Walker (EATSC) who beat Suzanne Benton & Christine Sommerville (Reepham). Fresh Herb Salt owner, Aynsley Evoli, presented the prizes.
The 17th annual LOUISE WILLGRASS MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT was held on 12th October. Another new sponsor, Grace Wellbeing, provided the Orchids supplied by Niche Flowers. The winners were Diana Carrington-Smith and Liz Williams (Grantham); runners-up were Lucy Foster & Mandy Driver (last year’s winners from Gorleston). The backward-draw winners were Sarah Copplestone & Sally Pitman (Reepham). Thanks must go to Fay & John Cadywould who donated the proceeds of sales of their jam and hand-made hazel walking sticks to the cause.
https://www.nicheflowers.com
https://www.freshherbsalt.com
https://www.gracewellbeing.co.uk
https://www.tennisable.co.uk
Report: Diane Bush Tournament Organiser