So there we were again, another year on and what a year it has been. Twenty four pairs of senior ladies descended upon Dinas Powys Tennis Club for our annual SMJ Memorial Tournament. Fit and athletic, and looking not a day older than last year ;-) most of the usual faces were there to mark the occasion.

We also welcomed some new players to the tournament who hopefully will spread the word on senior ladies tennis. This year, however, we did not have to restrict entry although we were mindful of the current Covid and LTA rules. Lunch was back on the menu as was afternoon tea.

After six years of rain, the sun shone from the start and out came the sun tan lotion. No need to mop the courts this year and no rain delays.

Forty eight competitive sets of tennis were played before the Shirley May James Champions 2021 could be announced. Rhian Griffiths and Robyn Dow beat last year's winners Jo Price and Jenny Burrows coming from behind in the final match of the day. Jo was denied a third successive victory.

Other group winners were:

Caz and Sian

Sammy and Helen

Joyce and Riley

Zoe and Michelle

Val and Kate

Congratulations and well done to you all.

This year's SMJ Sportsperson award was presented to Bethan Llewelyn. This was a popular and well deserved choice amongst the players. Displaying unfailing sportsmanship on the court, win or lose, Bethan is always the first to congratulate her opponent on a good shot, or a game well played, whilst giving her partner full credit whenever her team wins. Thank you for setting such a great example to us all.

The raffle raised £150 that will be donated in Shirley’s memory jointly to the Many Tears Animal Rescue and City Trees. It is good that we can help, albeit in a small way, to improve the lives of animals and the environment.

Yet again this year, we are grateful to the Dinas Powys Tennis Club for kindly agreeing to host the event. We are also indebted to Freda for ensuring the event could proceed whilst we complied with all the rules and regulations. Thank you also, to the Dinas Powys ladies for providing a much needed and scrumptious lunch. Friends - and competitive enemies - came together in a truly sporting event.

Finally, after another memorable day of competitive tennis, all of which was played in a wonderful spirit.