A blustery but sun kissed Sunday 23rd July saw a crowd of 50 or more members and guests turn out to watch the action as the club’s leading players battled it out once again for the five Club Tournament trophies. New members Glayson and Katie catered for hungry spectators with delicious pizzas and homemade cakes, whilst complimentary strawberries and cream added to the 'Wimbledon vibe'.
On a blustery day, first on court was a repeat of last year’s final between champion Zanna Newsholme and Jen Rose. Zanna took the first set 6-3 with some exquisite shot making before Jen fought back with cleverly changed tactics, mixing in backspin, short balls and high shots to take the second set by the same score. In the deciding championship tie break, Jen held her nerve as errors crept into Zanna’s game. Jen closed out the tie break 10-4 and with it the match to get her name on the trophy for the first time.
Next up was the Men’s Singles, another repeat of last year’s final between champion Kevin Davis, and Stuart Loudwell. After Kevin took the first set 6-2 with a display of controlled power and accuracy it looked as though things were going the same way as last year. But this time, Stuart also fought back with a mixture of slower balls, low slices and volleys to take the second set 6-4 as forced and unforced errors crept into Kevin’s game. The momentum was now with Stuart and with a cool head under pressure, he stayed on top to comfortably close out the tie break 10-4 and also take the title for the first time.
The Ladies’ Doubles featured last year’s champions, Jen Rose and Cristina Sanz, against new Club Chair Jenny Moroz and Donna Moss. Donna, in her first ever final, started nervously and Jen and Cristina powered through the first set 6-1. The second set was a much more closely contested. A five deuce game could have gone either way until Jen and Cristina took it to go 4-1 up. But an increasingly confident Donna and Jenny, with the crowd on their side, fought back bravely to 4-4 with only an easy missed volley wasting their chance to go 5-4 up. Jen and Cristina needed no second chance and soon closed out the set 6-4 to take the title for the second year.
The Men’s Doubles final was between last year’s winners Peter Moroz and Stuart Loudwell, and the new pairing of Kevin Davis and Chris Rose. In a blistering display of serve and volley tennis, often with all four players at the net, Kevin and Chris took the first set 6-3. The high octane battle continued in the second set with very little to choose between the players as winners flew from all four racquets, but on their 4th match point Kevin and Chris clinched the second set 6-4 and with it the title.
As usual, the final event was the Mixed Doubles, with champions and daughter and father pairing, Becs Hudson and Geoff Westall, taking on new pairing Cristina Sanz and Peter Moroz. The first set was in the balance but one break of serve was enough for the champions to take it 6-4. This seemed to relax them and in the second set they powered into a 5-0 lead. Cristina and Peter saved two match points and surely an amazing comeback wasn’t on as they reduced the deficit to 5-1? But it was just a consolation game, and Becs and Geoff promptly took the set 6-1 to retain the title.
The Plate events for first round losers in the main draw were held at the same time. Jane Barribal won the Ladies’ Singles and Dave Wraith the Men’s Singles. The Men's Doubles was won by Jamie Clayton and John Snape, and Jane teamed up with her son Lucas Barribal to win the Mixed.
Seaton Tennis Club welcomes visitors and all new members from beginner to superstar, both junior and adult. Why not give it a go? If you’re interested and for more information, get in touch at seatontennis@gmail.com