Over 60’S COUNTY PADEL CHAMPIONSHIPS   

The first over 60s County Padel Championships were held at the Rocket Padel 12 court indoor centre in Bristol on 7th and 8th September, an impressive centre with great facilities.

Sixteen counties from as far afield as East of Scotland and Channel Islands, fielded teams of men’s, ladies and mixed. Some teams bringing in players from Dubai and Spain.

Suffolk players were all from Risbygate Sports Club, the ladies team represented by Jo Harpur, Catherine Cobb, Christine Anthony and Susanna Irvine,

The men’s team represented by David Harris, Steve Jones, Nigel France and Phil Eaves.

The team arrived on Friday afternoon, gathered at the Padel4all centre for a 90 min practice session.

Matches on the show court were screened on the you tube “UK Padel channel”, Suffolk were fortunate to have 3 matches screened.

It was a real buzz for the players to know they were being supported from the many fans back in Suffolk who were tuned in to the channel, they were inspired to receive so many messages of support.

Most counties have between 10 – 50 courts in multiple venues and with players having 5+ years’ experience. Some counties held championships to select the best players, if only Suffolk had that luxury.

The first matches were in the mixed event, Suffolk did amazingly well coming 2nd in the league to qualify for the semis. Sadly, that was the end of mixed team’s journey, nonetheless  they were delighted to have progressed beyond expectations.

The men’s and ladies teams both played some great games, winning a respectable number of games against the top counties e.g. Surrey and Essex. However, given the experience of the opposition knew that qualifying for the semis would be a step too far.

Our Suffolk players thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, bonding as a team, making new friends and playing fantastic Padel, they can’t wait for the next event.

Report by Phil Eaves – A member of the over 60's Suffolk PadelTeam, Suffolk Padel Ambassador and Chair of Suffolk LTA – Well played Phil!

Want to learn more about Padel ? Contact Phil    Email chair@suffolklta.uk  Mobile: 07917077300