Saturday saw the conclusion of the St John’s annual tournament with Final’s Day. For the second time plate finals were included for those who fell in the first round.
As usual, events began with all the singles. Clare Rooney, new to the club, was the payer tasked to defeat Sarah Teubler who has had the better of everyone since she joined. Clare put together many excellent rallies in her attempt, so it was surprising to find she had gone down 6 – 0, 6 – 0.
In the Men’s singles Nathan Cook was making another appearance. He was up against Neil Kearney who had joined at Open day and who had been very modest about his ability. Neil had already played one of the most competitive matches in his semi and was a deserving finalist. For much of the first set Neil matched Nathan for shot making and placement before going down 6 – 3. Nathan’s power came more into play in the second as Neil began to tire and it finished 6 – 0.
The two plate finals were more attritional. The clubs two Patricks, McCall and Hutton matched each other shot for shot long after the open singles had finished. Patrick McCall prevailed 7 – 5,
6 – 3. However, on the next court the Ladies plate singles the players went above and beyond. Vivienne Johnson, one of the club’s past greats, took on Ana Teubler. Two and a half hours later Viv emerged victorious 5 – 7, 6 – 4, 7 – 5.
The Ladies doubles was a rerun of 2015 with the same result. Sarah Teubler and Lindsey Baker beat Sandy Levine and Irene McCall 6 – 3, 6 – 0. The first set was closely contested, Sarah and Lindsey took control in the second.
In the Men’s doubles, Nathan Cook was playing with a new partner, James Corner, a junior. They were up against Neil Kearney and another newcomer, Stephen Johnstone. This was the match with most all-round quality, all four players able to make good shots. Nathan and James took the first set 6 – 4, but Neil and Stephen dug in despite fatigue, finally losing a second set tie-break 7- 6. Men’s captain Nathan will certainly be hoping to use this pair in Kent League matches.
Unfortunately the Men’s plate final was uncontested, Chris Wapshott and Lester Young got a walkover. They did get a game, this time against each other in the Mixed plate. Chris was joined by Clare Rooney and Lester played with Ana Teubler. Chris and Clare came out on top 6 – 3, 6 – 1.
The Ladies plate doubles found Viv Johnson, back on court after her marathon, with Lesley Compton. They played Wendy Weavis and Melanie Kitchen who won 6 – 4, 6 – 3.
While everyone else was enjoying filled rolls, cake and strawberries and cream, the Mixed doubles concluded the day. One of Nathan Cook or Sarah Teubler would get a hat-trick of victories. Nathan was joined again by Denise Holme, while Stephen Johnstone was back on court with Sarah. The match largely progressed as expected. Sarah and Stephen tried to keep the ball wide and deep and most importantly away from Nathan’s volleys, Nathan dominating his side of the net whenever possible. Nathan and Denise took a close first set 6 – 3. The second set was possibly even closer, several games could have gone either way with a shot or two making the difference. At 3 – 3 Sarah went down with cramp. She recovered, but on the recommencement Denise held her serve, Stephen was broken and Nathan served out the concluding game for 6 – 3.
The clubs oldest active player, Colin Docksey, presented the players with their trophies.
For photos of the event, click on the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/9sim3t12ikite24/AACM9078zWSAEmNwLRGr4AVVa