Winchester Over 70s Men achieved a first, by winning the National Inter Club final, by beating Exmouth at David Lloyd Dudley Tennis Centre on Friday 21st November.
As a result of which we expect to be invited to represent Great Britain in next years European Club championships, in this age group.
To the best of our knowledge this is the first National victory for any Mens team from Hampshire & Isle of Wight in the National Inter Club finals.
As it was the first time Winchester had, or were able to, enter a team in this age group, we had to play through preliminary rounds as well as the later stages, playing and winning 5 successive matches, against Haslemere 4 - 0, Harpenden 3.5 – 0.5, Surbiton 3.5 – 0.5, Hallamshire 3 - 2 and Exmouth 3 - 2. The first 3 matches comprised 4 doubles rubbers, and the semi Final and Final included 2 Singles and 3 doubles rubbers. Hallamshire were last years winners, and Exmouth last years runners up.
In the final against Exmouth, David Trew lost to Andrew James, recently returned from successful appearances for the Great Britain World Championships team, Peter Friedmann beat Mike Keat (an excellent and persevering win), Brian Birch & Richard Lovell beat their Doubles pairing, and Peter & David also went on to beat their Doubles pair, we lost the remaining rubber by retirement through injury at an early stage.
It should be added that Brian & Richard had an outstanding win in the Semi Final, winning in the final set tiebreak. Since Peter & David also won their 2 tiebreaks, we can safely say we ‘never ever give up !!’ A nail biting and successful visit to Sheffield.
Very well done to all team members, a memorable season. A joy to captain.
David Trew (Captain)