The 6th year of Writhlington Tennis Club closed championships culminated into a day of finals on Saturday 30th May at Writhlington Tennis Centre, with eight finals being decided, the tournament had been played over a series of weeks with many close matches being played late into the evenings.
The men’s and ladies singles were sponsored by local company Design Based International and were won this year by Matthew Alexander playing Laurie Costello and Francesca Beg who played her UK coach Mandy Baldwin.
Other Cups were the Stone King Mixed Doubles won by Jacqui Grainger & Tom Hunt, Watts Family Ladies Doubles won by Marie Craig & Francesca Beg, the Farrington’s Farm Men’s Doubles Cup was won by Writhlington students Alex Day & Tom Hunt beating James Brocksopp & Hamish O’Mahony, who stood in for a member unable to attend.
The Anyone for Tennis..... Mixed Veterans Cup, played in an American style doubles format in one evening where partnerships continually change with the overall winners being those players who won the most games. The final of this tournament was held on the Saturday with Andy Jeffery & partner Marie Craig beating Bob Sonderman & Christine Hunt. Said Bob’ I have thoroughly enjoyed playing this year and I believe I am the oldest member of the club, being in my 70’s does not prevent me from being active & playing a sport which I love’
Said Mandy Stonier Head of Tennis, ‘ There has been such a great club atmosphere throughout the championships with some fantastic tennis being played by juniors and adults alike’.
Two Juniors Cups contested this year the U16 Collinsons Cup was contested between Luke Reddington & Adam Benney, with Luke running out the winner. The U14 Mixed Hunt Cup is still to be completed between Ben Beechener & Samuel Scott
The finals day ended with a presentation evening held at Writhlington where all the Cups were presented by their sponsors to the winners including the Stonier Hobbs Volunteer of the Year to Sarah Dawe, the current Ladies Captain , Bernard Pendle Cup for Club member of the year to Tom Entiswlste, Head Coach for the continued hard work and support of the club, its members & the development of the juniors coming through the coaching programme.
The O’ Mahony Cup for Most improved Junior to Hamish O’Mahony, for his outstanding contribution to tennis in the Club & for the school.
Most Improved Mini of the Year to 9 year old Samuel Perryman from St Johns Primary School, Midsomer Norton, his citation read :
Samuel is quite simply the nicest boy that you could wish to meet on a tennis court. He never gives anything but his absolute best every time he plays and this is always done with a permanent smile on his face. He has progressed from Orange to Green ball this year, winning competitions, never giving up, and always playing honestly and fairly, even when these qualities have not always been shown by some of his opponents. His fantastic and unassuming attitude makes Samuel a pleasure to work with and we truly believe he will be a great tennis player when he is older.
Highlight of the Finals day was the exhibition match played between the coaching staff, with Patrick Lodge & Mandy Baldwin taking on Tom Entwistle & US Scholarship player Francesca Beg, with over 70 juniors & adults watching it turned out to be a most entertaining match with Tom & Francesca edging it in the end for a 2-0 win. Andy Jeffery was chair referee with 3 of the juniors acting as ball boys for the match, said Andy ‘ I thoroughly enjoyed refereeing this match the standard of play was excellent’.
Writhlington Sports and Leisure centre offer tennis lessons for children from pre school right through to adults. Indoor and outdoor tennis courts are also available to hire 7 days a week. If you would like any further details please contact reception on 01761 438559, or visit the centres website www.writhlingtonleisure.co.uk