With the sun shining, the courts looking immaculate and 24 of Pensford’s finest players battling it out, there was no better start to the club’s 2021 event calendar than the recent Spring Tournament. 

The 2020 version of the annual competition was sadly cancelled due to Covid restrictions, but with the easing of lockdown rules in April, the club was able to thankfully put on a 2021 edition. 

Things looked a little bit different than usual, with social distancing the norm and hand sanitizer available as players entered the court. High fives and team hugs were absent as our Covid “wardens” made sure we had a fun….but safe event.

The tournament format involved 24 individuals drawn into doubles pairs, who then played 7 rounds of tennis in a set time. 

The day was a great success and with Caroline’s famous hand bell (which has been used at many a Pensford event, including Wimbledon draws), being rung to signal changeovers, the timetable ran like clockwork. 

After 3 hrs of excellent tennis by members of all ages from their 20s to their 80s, the scores were totted up and winners declared as follows:

1st -  James Williams 

2nd - Luca Santilli

3rd - Ben Evans

Joint 4th - Mark Boyle & Ric Fawdry 

Many congratulations to them and to the 19 other players.

The tournament was also successful on another front.  Unable to provide catering or refreshments, the club did not charge an entry fee but instead requested donations to raise funds in support of tennis activities which PTC runs on behalf of Dose of Nature. The amazing amount of £245 was raised by generous members, for which we give many thanks.

Some of the donations were used to re-string and re-grip 2nd hand racquets, which was kindly done by Sheen Sports at a substantial discount. These refurbished racquets can now be used by the Dose of Nature group for their tennis sessions.

Thanks again to all the competitors and those that helped to run the tournament.