Club Treasurer John Halliday rallied the SLTC teams for a night to remember at Henry Tudor’s in Shrewsbury this week, celebrating the club’s most successful season yet in the 2025 LTA Tennis Shropshire Summer Doubles League.

Fuelled by a strong sense of camaraderie, a delicious curry supper, and plentiful wine, beer, and laughter, around 50 players gathered to reminisce about their exciting summer matches. It was a well-earned celebration after delivering impressive results across multiple divisions.

As a show of appreciation for the dedication and commitment shown by all players, Ladies’ Captain Sarah Orr and Men’s Captain Toby Holcroft presented awards to the following standout team members:

• Cheryl Evans (Ladies’ 1st Team) – For exceptional leadership, helping her team retain their Premier Division champion status.
• Susie Williams (Ladies’ 2nd Team) – A fantastic new addition to the team who played brilliantly all season.
• Jane Williams (Ladies’ 3rd Team) – Recognised for excellent captaincy and winning most tournaments she enters. Her team earned a well-deserved promotion to the First Division.
• Jenny Davis (Ladies’ 4th Team) – For guiding her team to the brink of promotion. (Prize collected by Di Edwards in Jenny’s absence.)
• JoJo Morris (Ladies’ 5th Team) – For captaining her team to a promotion into the Fourth Division.
• Harrison Gwilt (Men’s 1st Team) – For playing the most matches in his division, helping secure the team’s first-ever Premier Division title—despite playing through injury.
• Seb Slater (Men’s 2nd Team) – For achieving the best win/loss ratio of the season (13–1).
• Levin Jones (Men’s 3rd Team) – Voted Most Improved Player at the club.
• Joel Henry (Men’s 4th Team) – For outstanding match results and earning the title of best player in the league, while also stepping in as the club’s caretaker and groundsman throughout the season.
• Paul Slater (Men’s 5th Team) – For unwavering commitment, travelling down from Yorkshire to play his matches!
• Steve Bowdler (Men’s 6th Team) – For leading from the front, playing the most matches, and helping his team remain competitive in a tough division.
• Andrew Bainbridge (Men’s 7th Team) – Awarded ‘Best Captain’ for forging a strong team spirit, organising team shirts, and leading his squad to a near-promotion finish.

With the competitive spirit still running high, a mini ping pong table was brought out, drawing in players and spectators alike. The fun escalated when the group invented a new game—phone ping pong—which reportedly made its way to the after-party at Albert’s Shed, where even unsuspecting patrons joined in!

Huge thanks go to John Halliday for organising such a memorable evening, and to club member and venue manager Will Cooper for ensuring everyone was well looked after at Henry Tudor’s. And of course, a heartfelt thank you to all the players for their incredible performances, support, and partnership throughout the season.

Interested in playing for SLTC?
If you'd like to join a team or find out more, please get in touch with Sarah Orr (Ladies’ Captain) or Toby Holcroft (Men’s Captain) – they'd be delighted to chat.

17th October 2025