The final week of August saw Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club celebrate its 40th year as host of The Essex County Closed Lawn Tennis Championships. The event drew almost 250 players from across the County and play was of a high standard. Despite some unseasonal weather throughout the early part of the week, the weather improved as the week progressed enabling finals to be played on Saturday as scheduled.
Finals Day began with the 12 & Under finals, which saw victory for Johnathon Price (Grove, Chelmsford) over Neo Wren (Gidea Park) in the Boys' event, whilst Annali Olivelle (Woodford Wells) took the Girls title with victory over Sarah Skaria (Colchester TC).
Toby Dunlea (Cranston Park) secured the 14 & Under Boys' title with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over Edward Pudney (Ipswich Sports), whilst Zuzanna Glowacz (Westcliff Hard) took the Girls' event with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Phoebe Collins (Connaught). Toby and Zuzanna returned later to take the 14 & Under Mixed Doubles crown with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Cameron Isbell (Clearview) and Charisma Nuqui (David Lloyd Gidea Park). However, there was to be no treble for Toby as he and Alex Curaba (Harlow) fell to Rittik Anand (Clearview) and Cameron Isbell in the 14 & Under Boys' Doubles. Ashlie Hale (Ipswich Sports) and Annali Olivelle took the 14 & Under Girls Doubles title with a comfortable victory over unseeded pairing, Olivia Frost (Braintree) and Nyah Kauders (Hockley).
The Boys' 16 & Under title was won by top seed Thomas Pudney (Ipswich Sports), who beat unseeded Andrew Berry (Westcliff Hard) 6-3, 7-5). Worthy Goldman (Woodford Wells) followed up last year's 14 & Under success with victory in the Girls 16U event with a hard fought three set win over Erica Izatt (Connaught).
Sam Bayda (Westcliff Hard) took the Boys' 18 & Under event with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Lewis Tyler (Connaught). Alexandra Jones (Globe) retained her 18 & Under Girls title, defeating unseeded Jarlenn Severino 6-2, 6-3. Sam and Alexandra also teamed up to win the 18 & Under Mixed Doubles title with victory over David Mould and Katie McGarrigle (both Deanes). Sam completed his trio of 18 & Under titles, partnering Thomas Pudney to victory over Andrew Berry and George Gray (Cranston Park) in the Boys' Doubles. Phoebe Collins and Katie McGarrigle took the 18 & Under Girls Doubles title with a straight sets victory over Zuzanna Glowacz and Alexandra Jones.
Alexandra took her second singles title of the day, defeating Millennia Severino in the Open Ladies' event. The Open Men’s final was contested between the top two seeds, Matthew Pearce (Southend Lawn) and Harry Randle (Thorpe Bay). After a close fought first set, Matthew raised his game to complete a 7-5, 6-1 victory over the defending champion.
The mini-tennis events were completed earlier in the week with successes for Samuel Constantinou (Connaught) in the 10 & Under Boys, Ananya Vartak (Thorpe Bay) in the 10 & Under Girls, Toby Terrell (Theydon Bois) in the 9 & Under Boys, Aimee Bromfield (Woodford Wells) in the 9 & Under Girls, Oliver Brooker (Harlow) in the 8 & Under Boys and Ellie Blackford (Danbury) in the 8 & Under Girls. Special mention goes to back-to-back winners Ananya, who won the 9U event last year, and Ellie, who retained her 8U title.
The trophy presentations were made by ECLTA President, John Tucker and included special awards to Lewis Tyler (Player of the Tournament), Toby Dunlea (Most Improved 14 & Under Player) and Alexandra Jones (Referee’s Trophy).
The event was refereed by Mark Bragoli and Lesley and Ian Pitt, overseeing almost 500 matches during the week. A huge thank you goes to the team of volunteers at Thorpe Bay LTC who enabled the tournament to take place, and also to the players and parents for their patience in what were, at times, challenging weather conditions.
Pictured above: Boys 10U winner Samuel Constantinou (glasses supplied by sponsor!)