The Essex Winter Ratings Series reached its climax with the finals at Redbridge Sports Centre over a weekend of the 9th and 10th May 2009.
This was the culmination of all the 1 day tournaments that took place during the winter. In these tournaments, the winner obtained 2 points for a win and 1 point for a set won. All the points were added up and the players with the most points competed in the finals.
The tournament was split into 2 groups of boys and 2 groups of girls. A consolation event was played, giving most players two matches each day.
In the Boys “A” group, being the higher rated older players, was won by Joseph Baum (Connaught), who played brilliantly over the whole weekend. He beat Nick Hilder (DL Basildon) in the final in a game of exceptional quality.
In the Girls “A” group which was played as a round robin, one player was outstanding, Nicola Calverley (Billericay). She won all her matches in straight sets, fully justifying her promise during the winter. For second place, there was a three way tie with Rachael Porter (Connaught) just coming through by the narrowest margins.
In the Boys “B” group, Kyle Macdonald (Hockley) was outstanding all weekend and won the group with the loss of only 4 games in the four rounds. Mention must be given to Ryan Bright (Garons) who played well all weekend and only lost to Kyle and ended the weekend third.
In the Girls “B” group, Annabelle Adair (Connaught) won, beating surprise finalist Daisy Ronn (Grove (Chelmsford). Daisy beat top seed Gemma Holley in straight sets.
Over the entire weekend, 80 matches were played and 50 competitors took part in the event. The standard of play this year was exceptional.
The Final were organised and refereed by Lesley and Ian Pitt.
Results
Main Draw
Group “A” Boys Joseph Baum beat Nick Hilder 7-5, 0-6, 10-5
Group “B” Boys K yle Macdonald beat Matthew Davies (Danbury) 6-1, 6-0
Group “A” Girls Winner Nicola Calverley (Billericay)
(Round Robin)
Runner up Rachael Porter (Connaught)
Group “B” Girls Annabelle Adair (Connaught) beat Daisy Ronn (Grove (Chelmsford) 6-1, 6-1
Consolation
Group “A” Boys Joe Wright (Elm Park) beat Joseph Downey (Southend Lawn) 6-2, 6-1
Group “B” Boys Bradley Goult (Redbridge) beat Jake Navarro (Aldersbrook) 7-5, 7-5
Girls Group “B” Gemma Holley (Billericay) beat Leanne Judge (Billericay) 6-3, 7-5.