Well respected and long serving member David Rhodes sadly passed away recently after 30 years with the club and was remembered here with a memorial tournament event. Trophy and prizes were kindly donated by Eileen, Davids widow and son Matthew . A great turnout and after three rounds we had our winners.

Congratulations to Emma Abel who lifted the inaugural trophy whilst Mark Dawkins, David Warner and Marise Richfield were runners up. 

Chairman Declan Grogan had fired up the BBQ and both players and spectators were soon quickly enjoying the excellant offerings created by our masterchief.

As usual the club had donated prizes for our finalists and with the weather dry the action began.

Court two had Amelia Moran and Dawn Steel competing for the Ladies Singles crown. Despite the tricky conditions that gusty winds were delivering the two produced some excellent tennis with plenty of long rallies. Amelia took a close opener 6-4 but then turned up the tempo to secure the title with a 6-1 second set success. Thanks to Dawn for stepping in late to ensure the final went ahead and a bottle of wine was her reward. 

On the showcourt we had a mouthwatering Mixed Doubles clash and a large crowd was gathering for this one. 

Andy Jones is a standing dish on finals day and he paired with another veteren of these events in Yvonne Mannall.  The duo took on Fraser Cummings and Amelia Wormald. A spectacular match full of excitement had the crowd on the edge of their seats as the match certainly lived up to its pre match billing.  Little in the first between the pairs before Fraser and Amelia took that 6-4 and with momentum the couple turned up the gas and began to find a nice rhythm. Despite a battling performance from Jones and Mannall they couldn't prevent a 6-2 reverse in the second but all credit to the four on view here. 

 The crowd certainly enjoyed watching the action and the sun was even shining! 

An eye catching performance from Fraser and Amelia saw them lift the Mixed Doubles trophy.

Thanks to Yvonne and Andy who helped produce an entertaining final.  

Over on court three the junior boys U18 final was in full swing and this turned into a marathon. Sam Duffy and Zavier Watson were showing great consistency and composure as they battled away. Sam took the opener 7-5 but with Zavier winning the second 4-6 it meant a third set championship tiebreaker. Both gave everything before Sam took the honours 10-5 after an epic.

Well played Zavier and Sam 

The boys U14 final began on court 2 and finished on 3 and featured Sams brother Toby Duffy who faced Alfie Hughes. Playing full sets and once again battling the elements the duo produced a full blooded affair with no quarter given. However Toby showed his experience to run out 6-2, 6-1 winner in a match played in great spirit. 

Thanks to Toby and Alfie for their considerable efforts in the U14 final.

New dad Andy Jones has endured a few sleepless nights recently but was back in action in the Mens Singles final against old rival Richard Whaley who he had beat 12 months ago.  However this time Richard looked the fresher and was keen for revenge!. As epected there were many long lung busting rallies and after Jones took the first 6-4, Whaley battled back to secure the second by the same scoreline. Unfortunately with cramp setting in and unable to move the champ had to concede but thanks to both for a great match.

Well done Andy and Richard and hopefully that wine should help knock you out for some much deserved sleep Mr Jones!

The crowd were still in fine form as the afternoon continued and next up we had the Ladies Doubles final. Charlotte Mannall had raced back from a netball match in Middlesbrough to partner mum Yvonne and they faced Lucy Wright and Evie Parkin.

A highly competative opener with many twists n turns before Wright and Parkin took it 7-5. Back came the Mannalls and showing tremendous team work ran out cosy 6-1 winners. Once more we had a third set championship tiebreak and this really did go down to the wire before Yvonne and Charlotte celebrated a 12-10 victory.

Well played Yvonne and Charlotte .

Great effort from Evie and Lucy who just came up short today.

It had been a long day but the Mens Doubles final would be our concluding event this year. Richard Whaley was back on court partnered by Andy Roberts and they faced Rob Berry and Przemyslaw Kwolek . This looked a tough contest to predict and so it proved . Some big hitting, superb defense and magical winners meant this was an absorbing match for the crowd who despite the chilly conditions were in fine voice. Rob and Prem took the opener 5-7 but Richard and Andy replied with the same scoreline in their favour and with the floodlights now on the stage was set for another championship tiebreaker.  A last big effort and a 10-5 success for Richard and Andy. 

Congratulations to Andy and Richard who is so good he even plays in sliders lol!!

Top stuff from Rob and Prem who lost nothing in defeat and played ever so well. 

So another Club Finals day concludes but a few shoutouts to all those who helped make this happen. The qualifying takes place over several weeks and Ben Atkinson and Dave Rowlands did a wonderful job organising the draw and ensuring matches were played. Mike Triffitt took over the baton arranging trophy engraving, ordering of prizes and running the finals day and he was ably assisted by Bradley Triffitt who found time to help head chief Declan Grogan as they faced a few early challengers on the morning. Well done too the players and supporters for helping make it a day to remember.