"The inaugural Dedham Men’s Doubles Open (raising monies for the Air Ambulance) was held as part of Dedham Tennis Week 2012. The Men’s Open, sponsored by Stringers World of Brantham saw participation from Great Baddow, Kirby, Little Clacton, Colchester Officers Club, Colchester Tennis Centre, Preseted Hall, Wivenhoe & of course Dedham. The competition used a handicapped format – so some of the stronger pairs had the unenviable task of starting from 0:30 down in some games.
With 3 groups winners safely through to the semi finals the last spot was reserved for the best “runner up” , which saw Martin Picker & James Prior (Dedham), pip Dan Harty (Dedham) & David Hall by 1 game. The semi finals saw five clubs represented – the aforementioned Martin Picker & James Prior reversed an earlier defeat by beating Robert Hobson & David Peek (Colchester Tennis Centre) while Gareth Thomas & Paul Newbury (Great Baddow) eased past Gerry Borley (Little Clacton) & Jefferson Fiho (Wivenhoe), the latter pair fading after showing great early form.
Despite the distraction of a European Cup Football Final on TV a large group stayed to watch what turned out to be a top class final. James Prior & Martin Picker starting 0:15 lost the first game but then rallied to a 4:1 lead and looked to be coasting to victory, but it wasn’t to be as Paul & Gareth took 5 games on the bounce for a 6-4 win. "