We ended up with 14 paired entries on the day, having at one stage reached the optimum number of 16 only to have late changes occur owing to injury or sudden unavailability. However, despite the unusual numbers which necessitated the use of byes in both the main and superior plate competitions, play got underway around 10.45 with the last final finishing at 2.30. The competitors coped admirably with the weather despite its best endeavours to blow lobs and service throws in the directions of neighbouring courts.

We were able to run three knock-out competitions: the Plate, the Superior Plate and Main competition with all pairings except 1 getting to play at least three matches. Each match was played to the best of 7 games with there being a golden point on the 3rd deuce, if required. Despite some handicap challenges for our more accomplished players most matches went to the full 7 games, thereby confirming the virtue of the handicap system.

The winners of the Main competition were Claire Keiditsch and Andrii Zharikov who narrowly beat Sue Groves and Nadeem Ashraf, the match being decided on the 2nd deuce of the 7th game. The Superior Plate was won by Dawn Dewilde and John Kemble who beat Carol Allen and Jamie McDonald, whilst the Plate itself was won by Annie Meadows and a resurgent Chris Wilde who beat Sam Morris and Jerry Borel. Both Winners and runners-up were presented with various alcoholic beverages to help celebrate the success of their endeavours in such challenging conditions. All appeared to have enjoyed the occasion and were already asking the date of the 2024 event.

Tim Herman

STC Chair

Below are photos of the winners of the three competitions.

Clare Keiditsch and Andrii Zharikov - Winners of the Main Competition

Dawn Dewilde and John Kemble - Winners of the Superior Plate Competition

Annie Meadows and Chris Wilde - Winners of the Plate Competition