With the keenly contested rounds all completed during September our 9th Annual Club Championships Finals Day rounded off the month last Sunday. And with the Writhlington Junior Championships finals running alongside as well we had players in action from 13 to 65! The action kicked off at 10am with the mixed doubles, mixed vets and U16 doubles getting things underway in style. All matches were overseen my Patrick Lodge, who continued to do his fantastic job in the role of Championships umpire.
A good group of specatators started to gather in the centre as the first matches progressed, and Christine Hunt and Jon Doel were the first winners of the day, coming out on top 6-2, 6-1 against Pauline Medhurst & Darren Thompson in the mixed doubles. Shortly after we had Mixed Vets winners Rachel Gibbs and Andy Jeffery clinching victory 6-1, 6-4 against Louise Derrick and Chris Cox, and the youngsters rounded things off with Eleanor Nobbs and Sam Perryman beting opponents Jack Goulding and Oli McGee 6-1, 6-2.
Next up the watchers were treated to a really close Men's Singles between Nathan Jackson and Simon Brand, with Nathan edging it in a championship tie break to win 3-6, 6-4, 10-8. The ladies singles saw Alex Hull claiming the title from Sarah Dawe, 6-0, 6-2 and Sam Perryman took his second title of the day beating Oli McGee 7-5, 6-2 in the Boys U16 singles.
Refreshements were the order of the day now to get the spectators through the final round of matches with the Men's and Ladies doubles kicking off at 2pm alongside the 14U Junior Singles. The last round of competition did not disappoint, with the Ladies delivering an exciting 6-4, 1-6, 12-10 win to Pauline Medhurst and Ali John over rivals Annette Day and Rachel Gibbs. The Men simlarly delivered some fantastic play with Thomas Hunt and Callum Nowell coming out champions against Nathan Jackson and Mike Cuthbert 6-4, 7-5. Sam Perryman meanwhile pulled off a remarkable hat-trick for the day, beating Ashley Ward 6-1, 6-4 to claim the U14 Junior singles.
With the tennis almost all over bar the shouting, there was just time for the traditional entertainment of ever popular 'Coaches Exhibition match' before Afternoon Tea was served. Hungry players, supporters and club members sat down to another great spread of sandwiches and cakes, organised by Chris Hunt and generously donated by various members. Whilst the seconds and thirds (in some cases!) of cake were polished off the worthy champions and runners-up were presented with their awards, whilst a few other unsuspecting members were also recognised for their contributions to the Club.
Alan Gammon was our very deserving 'Club Member of the Year' for 2018, whilst Pat Lodge was 'Volunteer of the Year' for his unstinting contribution to the club and the Club Champs in particular. Oli McGee seemed pretty surpirised, but pleased to receive the 'Most Improved Junior of the Year' award and this final cup brought our Club Chmapionships to a close for another year.
Thank you to all those who came along to support, who entertained us with their tennis on court and who helped organise, set-up and clear up on the day, committee and members alike. The whole day had a lovely atmosphere and great Club feel as always and could not take place without a fantastic team effort from the members.