On Saturday 24th March, 61 8&under players from across Kent descended upon Bromley Tennis Centre to participate in the Kent Winter Red County Closed Event.
It was an afternoon of fantastic tennis with a number of closely contested matches. 47 boys competed in 12 round robin boxes, with the winners of the boxes and the next 4 highest placed going into a 16-player compass draw. Those not lucky enough to get through went into a fun doubles tournament. The 14 girls participated in 4 round robin boxes with the winners and runners-up of each box going into a compass draw and the remaining girls went into a further draw to keep everyone playing more tennis.
In a closely fought and exciting boy’s final, Elis Porter (The Parklangley Club) overcame the resistance of Tommy Harrison (The Parklangley Club).
In the girl’s final another great match took place between Ella Wood (Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre) and Sofia Johnson (Bromley Tennis Centre) with Ella emerging as the victor.
The girl’s consolation winner was Venetia Barker (West Heath Tennis Centre) and the boy’s consolation winner was Hugo Coquelin (West Heath Tennis Centre).
In the doubles event, the winners were Benjamin Gardiner (West Heath Tennis Centre) and Thomas Williamson (West Heath Tennis Centre).
The referee Susan Finch said, ‘I saw great tennis, lovely parents and children and I hope to be asked to referee it again next year. I was very lucky to have some great leaders from various clubs including Bromley Tennis Centre and the Parklangley Club.’
Tudor Rowe, Kent Tennis Development manager said ‘Overall the standard of tennis was very high and the matches were played in a competitive yet friendly manner. The event was extremely well run and it certainly looked like everyone enjoyed their experience.’
Well done to everyone involved and a special thank you goes to Susan Finch from Bromley Tennis Centre for running the event so well, to all the leaders who supported the smooth running of the event, the Bromley Tennis Centre staff who were friendly and helpful, Austin Smith – The President of Kent County Lawn Tennis Association for presenting the trophies, the parents and coaches who make these events happen and last but not least the players, who all put in a great effort on the day and should be really proud of their performance!
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very successful summer!