Kent Men’s Veterans Finals – 1st April 2012 Report
The Men’s Veterans Finals on 1st April were hit by several late walkovers in the doubles events. The ageing bodies of us ‘oldies’ does occasionally lead to a non appearance on finals day due to injury but it is very unfortunate for this to happen in 3 events.
As it was, having beaten 6 times Men’s 60 doubles holders Keith Clark and Gary Sims, in a very close semi final, Chris Mackenzie and Steve Morley were denied the opportunity of playing on the day when Peter Long and Peter Pharo gave them a walkover in the final.
Similar fates occurred in the 45 and 70 doubles. There were nevertheless some good contests to watch and none more so than an epic 45 singles match where Niall Sweeney rolled back the years to take John Watton to the wire. It looked to be going Nialls way when he took the first set but Johns crafty tactics got him back in to take the second set 7-5 and he just managed to run out a winner in the third set tie break. All credit to Niall for showing no signs of tiring throughout.
Elsewhere Bob Milner won the new 70 singles event and Bob Whitehead claimed both 55 and 60 titles, the first against newcomer Peter Ford who gave him a hard game but bowed to Bob’s greater competitive experience. Peter was also second best in the 55 doubles against the established Andrew and Garratt combination. Stuart Smith came from a set down to beat 65 county colleague Ray Murray in the singles and the latter was also unlucky with partner David Drayson in the 65 doubles against the renowned Clark and Sims combination. This last match played in a very sporting way was most enjoyable to watch.
As always President Austin Smith was on hand throughout to present trophies – a role greatly appreciated by those organisers and finalists.