The fourth year of the tournament held at Nailsea LTC continued the trend of previous years of quality tennis. With 8, 9, 10, 14 and 18 Years & Under age groups, a total of 62 entries and 122 matches played throughout the week there was a host of tennis on offer.
Competitors travelled from across the county to play in the events but local players held their own to claim a number of titles; Josie Vickers of Clevedon LTC defended her 18 & Under Girls title, defeating Emily Perry (Bristol LT&SC) 6-2, 6-1, Noah Pring of Nailsea LTC played superbly in his 3 matches only dropping 3 games on his way to the final before finishing with a 6-1, 6-0 victory versus Ben Hardwick (Rodway Hill LTC) to take the 18 & Under Boys crown. The tournament culminated in a high standard 9 & Under Mixed event where Nailsea LTC’s Ben Jones showed fantastic matchplay winning all his games, without the loss of a set, to take the honours, Ben’s toughest match rightly came in the final where he saw off Julian Archer (Coombe Dingle LTC) 7-5, 7-6. Additionally Rafe Curyer of Nailsea & Portishead Tennis Clubs showed excellent skills to reach the 8 & Under Final before losing a tough encounter versus Sean Helstrip of Downend & Fishponds LTC.
Tournament Referee Gemma Butt said “There was some excellent tennis throughout the week but this was surpassed by the outstanding sportsmanship among the competitors. This was definitely the best year so far!” Matt Rogers, Nailsea Club Coach, added “It’s an honour to host a Grade 4 tournament at the club; we enjoy welcoming new and returning players. Throughout the week parents, players and coaches remarked how nice the venue is which is great to hear, especially from those who travel to many different locations for tournaments and other tennis events.”
Other Results:
10&U Boys – Winner Joshua Bowden (Downend & Fishponds LTC), Runner Up Dominic Boardman (Taunton LTC)
14&U Boys – Winner Edward Gardner (David Lloyd Bristol), Runner Up Cameron Chandler (Coombe Dingle LTC)
For information about Nailsea LTC see www.nailseatennis.com