The summer season at Romsey and Abbey Tennis Club has been brought to a fitting end with their end of season tournament and awards.
Played in glorious sunshine, club members and guests battled it out in a mixed doubles American tournament, with many more choosing to applaud the efforts of this year’s award winners from the sidelines whilst enjoying a burger and beer!
Earlier in the day Patrick Fuller, the men’s team captain, won the inaugural Brian Forder memorial cup singles championship with a hard fought win over Max Smith. In a tightly contested final, with plenty of ebbs and flows in momentum, Patrick eventually claimed the victory with a 6-3, 7-5 score line.
The prize for top female player in the American tournament was claimed by Rowan Shaw, with Jim Philbin and Marcus Baker sharing the spoils for the men.
The men’s singles event was created as a tribute to Brian Forder. Brian was an enthusiastic, energetic and engaging member of Romsey and Abbey Tennis Club (RATC) until his untimely death in February this year, when he succumbed to a short, but devastating illness.
The event also presented an opportunity to say well done and thank you to players and members of the club who have made a big impact this year.
The David Hannah Memorial trophy for the junior member who contributed most to the club's development and activities through the year, went to Ross McCulloch. As well as rapidly developing as a player, Ross also regularly juggles his school studies with assisting junior coaching at the club.
The Mike Thompson Memorial Cup for the junior champions of the year went to Georgia Spalding for the girls, and Sam Haylock for the boys.
The prizes were presented by Cllr. Andy Carter, the Vice Chairman of Romsey Extra Parish Council.
In thanking Cllr. Carter for undertaking this task, club Chairman Veronica Broughton-Shaw also thanked Romsey Extra Parish Council for the £1000 grant that the Council had made to the tennis club from its Community Grants Fund this summer. The grant will enable the club to continue the delivery of coached sessions to disadvantaged and disabled young people for another season.
It may be the end of the summer season at the club but there is a full autumn and winter tennis programme up and running.
If you’re interested in playing more tennis, whether you are a beginner, team player or just looking for fitness, there is something for everyone.
Alternatively, if you just fancy the odd game from time to time, you can book the courts on a pay and play basis.
Please visit the club website on https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/RomseyTennis for further information on how to book courts, attend a group lesson, get some private coaching or join Romsey & Abbey Tennis Club. Membership packages are now available at discounted rates for the winter season.