Members and friends were treated to a fantastic array of matches when the Club Championships reached its finale over the weekends of 9th-10th and 16th-17th September.

Referee Alan Russell did a fantastic job scheduling the matches despite the best efforts of the Scottish rain to disrupt everything.

On the weekend of 9th/10th September, many of the junior finals were played in very warm, sunny conditions. After some hard-fought matches, the following junior champions were crowned:

• 8U Singles - Harrison Green
• 9U Singles - Harrison Green
• 10U Singles - Stuart Reid
• 14U Boys Singles - Liam King
• 18U Boys Singles - Scott Morrison

On Saturday 16th, the Mixed Doubles Final took place with both seeded pairs reaching the final. The mother & son combination of Jane & Mike Russell overcame the number one seeds, Mike Morrison & Dianne Taylor, after a tough battle.

Sunday saw a packed schedule which started at 12.30pm and continued until after 7pm.

Although the rain fell continually, it didn’t stop the players producing incredible rallies, and tight, keenly contested matches.

The Men’s Singles final was a high-quality match between two of the young contenders for David Holmes’ crown, Lewis Mackintosh and Mike Morrison. Lewis Mackintosh prevailed on this occasion but I’m sure over the next few years we’ll have more exciting finals to enjoy between this pair, and others waiting in the wings.

The Women’s Singles final was a battle between youth (Hazel Reid) and experience (Jane Russell). On the day, experience won through but only by the tightest of margins.

Special mention must go to Fraser Speed and Cameron Fletcher, who placed their towels on Court 3 at 12.30pm and were still playing tennis (albeit different court & event) at 6.30pm. They spent virtually the whole afternoon and early evening playing Handicap Men’s Singles followed by Handicap Men’s Doubles. Honours were shared with Fraser winning the singles and Cameron, with partner Christopher Gray, winning doubles against Fraser and Ben Douglas.

The Men’s and Women’s Doubles were both keenly contested. Michael Morrison and brother Scott proved too strong for Lewis and partner Matthew Forrest. This was a classic Men’s doubles match with powerful serving and big returns.

The Women’s doubles event was won by the experienced pair of Allison Wood and Dianne Taylor who were more consistent than the scratch pairing of Jane Russell and Carmen Sanchez.

In the Mixed Handicap Doubles final, it was good to see a new member, who is also a beginner, Andrew Alexander, competing in his first tennis final. This is the beauty of the Handicap events, it gives everyone a chance, from beginner to seasoned player a chance to win.

Andrew and his partner, Carmen Sanchez, were up against one of the club’s up-and-coming youngsters Sam Mitchell-Henry, and his partner, Hazel Reid. In the end, Andrew’s dream of winning a trophy in his first season wasn’t realised and Sam and Hazel prevailed over three sets.

Four stalwarts from our women’s teams battled out the Handicap Women’s Doubles final, with Gill Holmes and Elizabeth Smith overcoming Elaine Hutchison and Lindsay Mitchell-Henry.

In the Over-45 Men’s and Women’s Doubles, there were wins for Joan Bricall & Charlie Gourley and Jane Russell & Donna Mackenzie.

There were also some fantastic junior matches, with Scarlet Donnelly and Adele Niven, battling in two separate finals. Scarlet won the 18U & 14U Girls Singles with Adele winning the 12U Girls Singles. It’s great to know we have such talented youngsters coming through the ranks.

On the boys’ side, Liam King was a double winner taking the 14U Boys Singles title and the doubles with partner Lewis Davidson. The 12U Boys Singles title was won by Marek Klauz, with Cameron Quoi as runner-up - two more very promising players.

The club was very grateful to Evelyn Christie for agreeing to present the prizes to the winners and runners-up. Evelyn has been present at finals days for the last forty odd years watching her children and grandchildren compete. It was a lovely moment when she presented her grandson, Lewis, with the Men’s Singles trophy.

Thanks to everyone who competed, spectated and helped with the buffet on finals day. Once again special, thanks to our tournament referee who organised and ran the tournament so professionally.

Here's the full list of 2023 club champions: