The Seniors Open Clay Court Championships of Great Britain, was played between 2nd and 9th June at the West Hants Club, Bournemouth.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire players did extremely well in the Ladies’ Over 60’s, Mens’ Over 35’s, and Mens’ Over 45s. Pauline Fisher, Colin Bennett and Mark Rowe all took their respective age group singles and doubles titles.
In the Ladies Over 60’s Pauline took her 6th Clay Court Singles title defeating Shirley Fox in the final 7-6 6-4 She then teamed up with Shirley to take the doubles title in a close 3 set match 6-1 5-7 and then 10-7 in the deciding match tie break. This is the 6th Clay Court singles title and the 5th Clay court doubles title which Pauline has won.
In the Mens’ Over 35’s Colin retained his singles title defeating Daniel Stuke in the final 6-3 6-2. He then paired up with partner Sebastian Jackson to take the doubles title defeating Daniel Stuke and his partner 3-6 7-5 10-2. Colin has held the doubles title for the last 3 years, each time with a different partner.
In the Mens’ Over 45’s Mark was seeded 3 in the singles and 2 in the doubles, with partner Neil Howitt. It was a hard week’s work, but Mark came through it, winning both the singles and doubles titles saying afterwards "Winning my first National Singles title, was a dream come true".
Mark in the final beat Neil Howitt (Glos,and England Captain) 6-1 6-1. He then teamed up with Neil in the doubles final to beat the number 1 seeds, Nick Boys (Beds) and David Mills(Cambs). In an epic final Mark and Neil won the title 4-6 6- 4 and 25-23 in the 3rd set match tiebreak!!