Sad to say, our PBTC Club Tournaments 2024 has finally come to a close. This year's tournament saw an impressive 44 adult matches, with a strong increase in participation compared to previous years. The club was buzzing with energy throughout the tournament, and our pizza nights during the Quarter-Final & Semi-Final week truly captured the community spirit that defines PBTC. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making it all possible! 

 PBTC Club Finals Day 2024 - Report (14.09.24)

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend for our PBTC Club Finals Day 2024! With clear skies and brilliant sunshine, the setting was ideal for an unforgettable day of tennis. It was fantastic to have our juniors back in action on Club Finals Day 2024, adding seven exciting matches to the schedule and bringing even more of a buzz to the event. The addition of four LTA umpires elevated the competition, while our BBQ and buffet were a big hit, ensuring everyone stayed well-fed and happy throughout the day.

Here are a few of our favourite photos from this year's finals day

We're thrilled to announce a few first-time PBTC Club Champions in 2024! After years of persistence and determination, and on his fourth attempt in a PBTC Club Final, Mark Cooper, alongside Michael Mouskides, clinched the PBTC Men's Doubles title with a gritty 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory over first-teamers Alan Ball & Matt Kleiner-Mann.

In the PBTC Men's Singles Final, Jamie Simmonds took home his first PBTC title with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 win over Alan Ball. Jamie, who is the Chairman at Orchard Tennis Club in Welwyn Garden City, managed to get his hands on a PBTC trophy in his inaugural year at the club.

The PBTC Mixed Doubles Final also saw a first-time winner in Alan Ball, who teamed up with Rhian Newman to claim his maiden PBTC title. For Rhian, this marked her second PBTC Mixed Doubles title, having previously won in 2015 with Alan Clarke. Together, they triumphed over Tina Kleiner-Mann & Jack Romero 6-1, 6-4.

On the Ladies' side, while there were no new champions, the quality of the tennis was top-notch. Louisa Clark and Mary McDowall faced off in a gripping contest for the PBTC Ladies' Singles title. In the end, Mary McDowall claimed her third PBTC Ladies' Singles crown with a very hard-fought 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 win.

In the PBTC Ladies' Doubles Final, Louisa Clark & Amy Laws emerged victorious, defeating Tina Kleiner-Mann & Holly Romero 6-2, 6-3. This victory marks Louisa & Amy's third consecutive title, joining an elite group in PBTC history to achieve this feat (the others being Flon Conrad & Pat Middleton, Jenny Madden & Judith Wheeler, and Linda Freedman & Marie Martindale).

Finally, a massive thank you to everyone who made this day such a success. Special thanks to Jack Romero for his excellent work behind the bar, Holly Romero for coordinating the LTA umpires, Helen Romero for her tireless efforts in the kitchen, Head Coach Karl Mills for overseeing and umpiring the junior matches, Anil Coskun for his work on the BBQ all afternoon, Chris Dixon for lending a helping hand and printing the Finals Day booklet, Tony Keating for stepping in on the day to resolve a few tricky maintenance issues, and Rhian Newman and Chris Esdaile for their fantastic photography. Thank you too to everyone else who pitched in on the day - your help was truly appreciated.

Here's to an even bigger and better Tournament in 2025! 

Paul H. (tournament organiser)