The "Fair Play Plate" Award 2019

The Wildmoor Spa Summer Tennis League sponsored by Bannatyne Health Club & Spa, has awarded the “Fair Play Plate” for the eighth year. This league covers South Warwickshire and areas of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.  The award is voted on by all the teams from the six divisions and is decided by votes from the league teams on which side in their opinion they felt was the most convivial both on and off the court and for their after match hospitality.  It is not judged on their playing ability, just their friendliness, conduct and entertaining abilities and crosses all divisions.

In 2012 Inkberrow C were given this honour, in 2013 it was Redditch B, in 2014 it was Chipping Campden C, in 2015 it was won by joint winners Bidford A and Inkberrow D and in 2016 it was the turn of Ardencote B. Last year saw three teams share the award, Littleton A, Claverdon C and Inkberrow D.

For 2019 of the 47 teams circulated 42 votes were received back. There were a record 25 teams nominated from all divisions with Claverdon A (2), Inkberrow A (2) and Warwick (2) from Division One; Bidford B (2) from Division Four and Shipston C (2) from Division Five. 

However, the only teams that received more than two votes were Inkberrow C from Division 3, Aston Cantlow from Division Four and Claverdon C from Division Five, who all recorded three votes each and the eventual winners who received four votes each.

They were Littleton A from the Premier Division and Division Three Champions Bidford-on-Avon A. So once more we have joint winners of this award. This is the second time Bidford A have been successful winning in 2015, but is the first occasion Littleton A have won this award.  Congratulations must go to both teams who will be presented, with the trophy at the League’s 30th Year Celebration Dinner on Tuesday, September 17th 2019.  Littleton A will hold the trophy from the presentation until the AGM at the end of February next year.  They will then hand it over to Bidford A who will hold it until the end of the 2020 season.