CLTC held their club championship finals last Sunday - the culmination of two months of matches in which club members play against each other in a series of knock-out matches with the winners going through to compete in the final.
The day got underway with the men’s’ singles final which was to be a gladiatorial contest between Alex Allen and Mike Dale played out on Court 1 to an appreciative crowd. The score throughout was close with both players battling hard and giving their absolute all, but in the end Allen's youth won out over Dale's experience in a 6-4, 6-4 victory. The ladies singles final saw Alex’s 14 year old sister Stephanie triumph over her opponent Julia Crofts in a brilliant display of consistency and tenacious shot selection. Stephanie barely dropped a point and despite Croft's valiant efforts she refused to let Julia take even one game resulting in a 6-0, 6-0 victory.
After lunch it was time for the doubles finals, beginning with the much awaited men’s' doubles. The pairings of James Bassett and Alex Allen v. the Club's Director of Coaching, Greg Spink and Club Coach; Sid Falconer was expected to be close and to provide some exciting tennis. The players did not disappoint and offered up 3 sets of truly ‘edge of your seat’ play. Greg and Sid served and volleyed their way into the lead with a spectacular score of 6 – 2 in the first set. Bassett and Allen, put the loss of the first set behind them and got to work in the second taking it 6-2. The 3rd set was nerve wrenchingly tight and the players treated the audience to some quality rallies as each side vied to secure vital points. Greg and Sid edged ahead only for Bassett and Allen to come back and at 6 games all the match went to a tie break. The tension was palpable right to the end but it was Bassett and Allen who showed the greater mental strength and finally came out on top to win the tie-break 7-5 and take the match.
Then it was the ladies turn. The familiar pairing of Josie Vickers and Kat Rolfe was pitted against Stephanie Allen and Becca Ewing. Both pairs played extremely well with Allen in particular again showing superb form and consistency in her shot making. Vickers and Rolfe’s experience and ability shone through and despite some hard fought rallies and exceptional quality tennis displayed by Allen and Ewing it was to be the more experienced pairing that took the title in just 2 sets.
The day was rounded off with the mixed doubles final. James Bassett and Josie Vickers were on court again to take on Mike Dale and Kat Rolfe. Both very experienced pairs and both on a mission to get their names engraved on that trophy! Dale and Rolfe started off strongly and looked well placed to hit their goal as they took the first set 6-3. However Bassett wasn't quite ready for retirement and with the steely support of the younger Vickers the duo were able to storm through the second set 6 – 1. The third set did not fail to thrill as both pairs gritted their teeth, dug deep and pulled out some of their finest court performances to date but it was Bassett and Vickers who edged ahead and managed to keep on top of their rivals to take the set 6-2.
The day ended with Club President, Margaret Dyer presenting the awards to the winners. The championships also included a number of other categories, the finals of which will be played during the week. New for 2012 was the Men’s’ Vintage Doubles which required that entrants be at least 60 years young! The final, which was played on Friday, was won in 3 sets by Dave Pratt and Roy Gazzard who beat Norman Thompson and Tim Nalder. As part of his prize Roy received a new pair of crisp white tennis shorts, thought to be only the second pair he has even owned in the history of his playing career! The remaining categories will play their finals matches this week. Well done to all the players who provided exciting and exceptional tennis viewing for the club members and spectators and to everyone who worked hard to ensure the day was a success.