On St John's Finals Day we were treated to some spectacular tennis, watched avidly by an enthusiastic audience, and later treated to a delicous BBQ. The atmosphere was festive, with everyone crossing their fingers against rain (it worked - just about - with just a few showers during the afternoon). As it was Indpendence Day, the organizers followed an American theme and US flag bunting decorated the courts.
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The Tennis
The two opening games were the Men's Singles and Ladies Singles. Nathan Cook beat Amrit Gosh in the men's singles and Emma Hubble beat Karen Cressy in a three-set battle that lasted for over two hours.
In a deferred Ladies Doubles match, Karen Cressey and Jane Ware beat Wendy Weavis and Mel Kitchen. In the Men's Doubles. Father and son Richard and Josh Berkley beat Patrick McCall and Sam Turner.
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Nathan Cook and Emma Hubble beat Sam Turner and Irene McCall in the Mixed Doubles. In the Men's Doubles Plate another Father and son pair, Pav and Akhil Challa, beat Ian Goldsworthy and Adam Redmayne. 
In the Plate Singles Rose Harris beat Catherine Brown in another three-set battle, and new member Rob Hunt won over Patrick McCall.
Plate Match yet to be reported: Alison Chapman and Laura Collins vs Rachael Burton and Julia Easton
The Food
Thanks to John and Sandy Levine (and their daughter Lauren, home from university) along with their team of dedicated helpers for organizing the American-themed BBQ. There were sausages and burgers cooked on the BBQ and a range of delicious salads, followed by a bewildering selection of such US specialities as lemon meringue pie and pecan pie. The bar, managed by Kelvin Paterson, and featuring an expanded range of drinks and snacks (including magnums and soleros!), was relay-staffed by volunteers throughout the afternoon.
Thank you
A big thank you to all those who helped make the day such a success, including all those who arrived from 9 o'clock in the morning, to decorate, clean down the chairs, put up the awnings, and generally ready the club for the day ahead.
