We recently held the OLTC Finals day which was attended by a number of members and players! To see some photos from the day please follow this link!
The day started with players, spectators and umpires looking forward to another thrilling day of Orchard finals tennis! The scheduled singles matches along with the mixed plated kicked off proceedings. The men's singles once again featured men's captain James West, taking on club chairman Jamie Simmonds. It was the club chairman that took the early initiative and inflicted the men's captain's first lost set since his very first final. A combination of consistency & smart finishing ensured a commanding 6-2 first set. But there's a reason why James hasn't lost a singles club tournament match, as he began the second set much the more assertive and didn't allow Jamie to dominate from the back, taking the second set 6-1. The final set featured some excellent early exchanges, with some tight opening games. But it was once again James that took his opportunities and continued his strong play, finishing the set and the match with a 6-2 final set.
The ladies singles was a rematch of the 2023 finals between Danielle West & Clare Robinson. Danielle stormed into an early 4-0 lead and looked well placed for a comfortable first set. But there's a reason why Clare regularly features in the finals! As her determination and fight brought the set back at 4-4. But Danielle showed her composure and precision to manage the situation and take the opening set 6-4. The second set saw West build on her momentum, pressuring Clare's serve with her groundstrokes and serves. Despite again some strong resistance from Clare, she was unable to match Danielle who finished the second set with a 6-3 win.
The mixed plate final featured Jean Satterly in her last finals appearance as she departs to the beauty of the Welsh countryside, partnering Shaun Woods to take on Michael and Miriam. A game that had some great cross court rallies and some entertaining exchanges in the morning sun on court 3. The scoreline did not do the game justice as Jean got her fairytale ending with a 6-0/6-1 victory. Watched on by her family, certainly a day to remember for the Satterly household! We wish her the very best as she departs the club and will look forward to any future returns.
The men's doubles featured the 'core 4' in a hotly anticipated match that had earlier been played in a separate competition. On that occasion it was James and Stuart that came out victorious. So would the same result happen again in the club finals? Well Jamie and Adam used their doubles skills and incredible serving to good use. Along with an early break on Stuart's serve, they took the opening set 6-4. So would James and Stuart kick into gear and defend their trophy that they've held for 3 years? Well they weren't even allowed to think about it, as Jamie and Adam continued their dominance with an excellent display of serving and volleying, eventually taking the set second set 6-2 and crowning the new champions!
The ladies doubles featured one of newer members of the club in Steph Purnell, partnering Clare Robinson in her second final of the day. Clare and Steph took the first set 6-3, but Sue West and Fiona Hayden were not going to let the match fall away from them with a strong defense that saw them claim the second set 6-3. Clare and Steph refocused for a tight opening third set which they eventually won 6-2. A very enjoyable match which the crowd certainly enjoyed!
The men's doubles plate started pretty evenly with a few deuces, but it was new members Danny Addison and Samuel Ampah that were able to win most of the final points at the end of each game with some powerful volley's form Sammy at the net. In the second set the Michaels of Sanders and Pontin started to play longer rallies with a lot more variety. This won them more points compared to the first set, but they were unable to defend and effectively close to the net with some unforced errors. Another great final played with Samuel and Danny emerging the victors with a 6-1/6-3 victory.
The main draw mixed doubles featured the West siblings of James and Danielle taking on a familiar faces but a new partnership in Stuart and club coach Erin Howard. The match was very evenly balanced throughout and featured some excellent rallies from all players. There were a couple of early breaks of serve, but the sibling partnership was too strong and they took the first set 6-3. A tighter early start from Erin and Stuart took the second set to a nervy 3-3, but the West's showed good composure and managed the end well with another 6-3 second set.
This year's vets final was unfortunately not taking place, as club treasurer Gavin had to withdraw due to injury with partner Sue West. However, an exhibition match was arranged to give the crowd a lovely game to watch. Matt Carter took the place of Gavin to partner Sue and take on the vets finalists of Miriam Mohns and Alex Breitenbach. It was a tightly fought match all the way with many deuces to a point that could have gone either way. There were many hard hitting rallies that forced Alex and Miriam to take risks. Sue, just having played three sets, continued to be on super consistent form along with Matt who took the opportunity to support her at the net. In the end they deservedly won 6-3/6-3.
The final match of the day featured the debut of the men's singles plate. With regular participation in the men's singles main draw, it felt only right to trial the plate competition. Safe to say from feedback of the men's division, we'll certainly be continuing this category next year! The first final featured committee member Shaun Woods and returning member Alex Windsor. Alex came out of the blocks hitting some great winners down the line, totally controlling the match and punishing Shaun's short balls. The second set was a scrappy affair, with various breaks of serve with Shaun winning the crucial game that went seven deuces! Championship tie break was therefore needed to decide who would be the first ever plate champion. Shaun got off to a great start, staying calm and making Alex play that extra ball. But then Alex started making those shots, turning them from errors to winners. But at the end, Shaun stayed calm and managed the business end of the tie break, coming out victorious to a 10-7 win. It was by far the match of the day with the crowd applauding both players off the court.
So marks another end to the Orchard Club Championship. We trialed the later finals date, which meant more entrants and an easier schedule for both the players and organisers. Many thanks goes to the supporters, umpires, players, helpers and most importantly our club championship organisers of Shaun Woods and James West who make this possible. Let's hope for another successful club tournament in 2025!
Thanks,
James West & Shaun Woods