After two months of qualifying , Sunday saw the Club finals day which featured eight contests in a busy afternoon of tennis. Blessed with kind weather , conditions were perfect most of the day and ensured the event was a success.

With the trophies engraved and the prizes purchased the scene was set for an action packed afternoon

The Ladies singles kicked off proceedings and although this event always struggles to attract a strong entry it was nice to see two keen and willing competitors do battle . With the sun shinning the tempo was fast as the ladies entertained the gathering crowds with some excellent rallies. Anne Lillywhite, replacing Lara Fawcett who was unavailable, has been a longstanding member and took on relative newcomer to Wetherby in Janet Devlin. Janet has featured for a number of clubs in the HDTL and last season helped Westfields to the Division 5 crown.

Early birds were soaking up the action at Castlegarth.

A brave effort from Anne but Janet proved too canny and despite a number of deuce games ran out a cosy 6-0, 6-1 winner.

Jamie Perkins has been a regular winner of the Men’s singles over the years but was watching on this time along with mum Sue and Helen Robinson who would feature later in the Mixed doubles.

This proved an enthralling contest with Harry Full taking on Andy Roberts. Andy has been a superb supporter of this seasons event featuring in both the men’s singles and doubles and would be seen later in the Mixed doubles final too. Playing every day this week to ensure matches were completed his organising was much appreciated. This always looked a tricky tie to call and so it proved with both players hitting big from deep and using strong serves to good advantage. Andy seemed to have an extra spring in his step however and playing with confidence took the opener 6-3. Harry fought back in the second but couldn’t find a way to disrupt his opponent who with a low error court and tenacious aggression took the second set 6-3 and lifted the trophy.

Janet Devlin was back on court two partnered by ladies first team captain Yvonne Mannall as the pair formed a very strong looking partnership. With Jo Coverdale absent with covid, Dawn Steel kindly stepped in to partner Louise Beasley. This was a match played in great spirit and with each player producing moments to savour. However it was always going to be a huge ask for the underdogs who despite a big effort were beaten 6-0, 6-1 .

The crowd had really swelled by now as the Men’s Doubles final prepared to commence with Christina Plant joined by puppy Cooper to cheer husband Steve Plant on who had rushed back from organising a junior event in Harrogate and was joined by Marc Bickers as they took on favourites Harry Full and Richard Whaley. This match produced some breathtaking play as many lung busting rallies ensued. Harry looked keen to finish the day with Silverwhere and was now finding his line and length with some spectacular hitting. With partner Richard Whaley a pillar of consistency they took the opener 6-2. However some huge serving from Steve and strong court coverage from Marc meant the duo were not waving the white flag and gaining momentum they took the second set on a tie break to set up an interesting championship tiebreaker. Nothing between the pairs before Harry and Richard were left to celebrate a 10-5 success in a truly memorable final.

There were also three Junior finals taking place on court three and with the incentive of a bag of heroes sweets the lads dug deep to produce some entertaining tennis. Plenty of future adult league players hopefully on show and a big thanks to all six players who conducted themselves in great fashion as proud parents looked on.

Well done boys, enjoy your prizes and thanks to all for competing and good luck with your tennis development.

The air was beginning to chill as the Mixed Doubles final concluded the afternoon events. Andy Roberts was back on court and was kindly joined by Helen Robinson as they faced Bradley Triffitt and the returning Louise Beasley. Andy had defeated Brad in the quarter finals of the singles but it was a close affair which left the youngster with hope of gaining revenge. Alongside regular playing partner Louise Beasley the duo started smartly showing a good understanding. Brad was content to patrol the baseline whilst once again Louise confirmed her status as one of the leading ladies at the club when it comes to smashing and volleying. Andy was hitting hard from deep and anything at Helen was duly dispatched with ferocity. No surprise it took a tie break to decide the opener and finally after six set points Brad and Louise prevailed 11-9!. Andy stepped up the pace during the second and despite the early efforts in the singles, he and Helen started to gel and levelled things up with a cosy 6-2 second set. The championship tie break was therefore needed and with a final push it was Bradley and Louise storming to a terrific 10-5 victory .

A long but rewarding day and many thanks to all the players and supporters who came out to create a great atmosphere. A big thanks as always to Mike Triffitt for organising and I am sure he will enjoy a few days rest before the Winter League starts on Tuesday!