The Essex Individual Winter Finals were held at Redbridge Sports Centre on Sunday 19th March and it was an excellent day’s tennis. This year again, there were a number of players who had not reached the finals before.
Pictured above: Andy Reid winner of the Mens Open Singles Event and Steve Wynn, Chairman of the Essex Tennis Competitions Committee,
Pride of place again in the Men’s event must go to Andy Reid, (Essex Golf and Country Club) who was competing in 2 finals. He played brilliantly to win the Men’s Open singles, against Tom Perry (Spring Lane Tennis Club). Andy appearing in his first final, had beaten the number 1, 6 and 8 seeds on the way and the number 3 seed in the final. In the Men’s doubles final, Andy teamed up with club mate, Andrew Knights to beat Tom Perry and Luke Spooner (Harlow Tennis Club), number 1 seeds in a close, exciting match. Andrew Knights then teamed up with club member Anne Burton to beat Selwyn Jones and Mel Harling (Woodford Wells) in the 45’s Mixed doubles
In the Men’s over 35’s singles, new comer, Panos Sakellaropoulos (Epping Tennis Club) beat Jamie Kingsnorth (Gidea Park) in an entertaining match. Earlier Jamie had lost to Adam Omer (The Avenue) in a very close three set match in the Men’s consolation event.
Simon Chesher (Westcliff Hardcourt) won the over 45’s Men’s singles, retaining the title he had won for the previous 4 years by beating Derek Rogers (Chelmsfordians). Derek in his first final, had beaten the number 1 seed in the semi-finals.
Brian Roberts (Knoll LTC) in the first of his three finals, beat Rowan Healey (DL Chigwell) to win the Over 55’s singles. Rowan was also in his first final and put up a good fight against a very steady opposition.
In the Ladies events, Emily Watts (Rayleigh LTC) beat Jenny Courtney (Winchmore Hill) in a hard-fought final. Emily then paired up with Andrea Maughan (Westcliff Hard) to beat Sarah Ball and Christie-Ann Hale (Westcliff Lawn) to win the Ladies doubles.
Lynn Lennard-Jones (Lexden Rackets & Fitness Club) beat Julie Sexton (Essex Golf & Country Club) in the Women’s Over 45’s singles in an enjoyable match. Julie then paired up with club member Sophie Bardrick to lose to the strong pairing of Louise Baker (Bank of England) and Chris Jolly (Cranston Park). The Women’s Over 50’s was unfortunately not played, as Pat Wire was injured.
Dan Arnot, (Woodford Wells) losing finalist last year, teamed up this year with club member Annali Olivelle to win the Open Mixed doubles, beating Sam Wood and Elizabeth May (Hadleigh Park), after a tight first set.
The last match of the day, the over 55’s Men’s doubles, proved to be a very entertaining match with Brian Roberts and Rick Klein (Virgin Active Clearview) beating Dave Overton and James Weatherup (Virgin Active Clearview) in a very competitive match. Earlier Rick had teamed up with Keith Gilbert to win the Over 45’s Men’s Doubles beating Brian Roberts and Patrick Osborn (Woodford Wells).
All together it was a very exciting day, enjoyed by the many supporters. It was good to see many members of the Essex Patrons Club enjoying the day.
The event was refereed by Lesley Pitt. She was assisted by Mave Blewett in the organization of the tournament. They were helped on the day by Committee Chairman, Steve Wynn and Committee members, Ian Pitt, John Blewett and George Sabiniak.
Events and Results Roudup