Even though the weather tried to spoil the annual Grade 4 LTA sanctioned tournament at Writhlington Tennis Centre last week, the indoor facilities proved their worth by enabling matches to be played to an excellent standard and some stunning wins for local players.
In the Under 10 final Oliver Hutton from Shepton Mallet beat William Moon from Hampshire 4-0, 4-2, in the Under12 boys Oliver Monteiro beat Callum Mock and in the Under14 boys final Ben Stephenson beat Louis Costello, both boys had beaten the No 1 & No 2 seeds respectively on their way to the final. The under 16 final was contested by No 1 seed Kai Bainbridge against Writhlington player Jack Sparks, the final score being 6-1, 6-2. The consolation final was a battle between two Writhlington players Ryan Harris & Callum Silkstone, with Callum winning 7-5, 4-6, and 10-5 (championship tiebreak). Said mum Paula ‘Callum & Ryan always have a good match together and it was just the odd point here and there that clinched it for Callum’.
In the doubles matches Writhlington players were keen to show their skills with the final of the Under14 boys being played between Matthew Sefton & Jack Sparks against Alex Gardiner & Ryan Guy, a very close match with the winners being Matthew & Jack 7-5,7-6 (5).
Towards the end of the week it was the turn of the older boys with the Under16 boys being won by Ed Giles beating Ben Bushill 6-1,6-2 and the Under 18 boys Rory Weaterton again beating Ben Bushill in his second final 6-1,6-4. Ben who trains at Writhlington said he found the week hard with matches back to back, but like Andy Murray – just got on with the job in hand!
Each evening saw the adults taking over with only 7 men in the singles draw the final was contested between Simon Blakeley & Matt Newport.
Photo: Matt left / Simon right.
The match was an excellent contest between Writhlington coach Simon & local player Matt, the score of 3-6,7-5, 10-6 (in the championship tiebreak), with the match swinging each way, Matt’s huge serve was his weapon and with Simon’s agility around the court it proved a worthy contest. The consolation final was between Jon Doel (Frome) & Jon Fenner with Jon Doel running away the winner 6-1,6-3.
Said Mandy Stonier Tennis Development Officer ‘ the weeks tournaments was a great success, we would like to thank Chris Matthews and his company Compete, who ran the tournament in his usual efficient way in conjunction with Writhlington Sports Centre. We will continue with our highly successful and well supported tournament and coaching programme at Writhlington which enable the local community to access quality competitive tennis locally with indoor facilities’ .
For more information please contact www.writhlingtonsportscentre.co.uk 01761-438559.