The Essex Winter Series Finals are the result of some 30 1 day ratings events played indoors during the winter. The entrants from Essex are given 2 points if they win the match and 1 point if they lose but win a set. At the end of the season, the points are counted up and the top players are then invited to compete in a knock out tournament.
This year there was one group of 5 girls, who played a round robin event. This was a very competitive, with Christina Coyle (Hutton & Shenfield) beating Zuzanna Glowacz (Westcliff Hardcourt) in a very close, exciting final.
The boys were split into 2 groups according to age. The older group was also played as a round robin group of 5. Leon Philbert (Linkside) played well both days and was unbeaten to take the title. Leon had won the younger age group in 2011.
In the younger age groups, 12 players played in 3 groups and then the players were matched up in 4 groups, according to their finishing positions. The top three players played a round robin and very close matches ensued. Elliot Howell (Chelmsfordians) beat John Coyle (Hutton & Shenfield), the top seed in a very close match.
It was a fitting finale of two days of exciting tennis.
Lesley and Ian Pitt
Tournament Organisers and Referees