Kent Tennis Men’s Veterans Finals – 10TH March 2013
Report by Colin Dancey
The Singles events at this year’s Veterans Finals at the Bromley Tennis Centre were dominated by familiar faces. Of the five events, four were a repeat of last year’s Finals, the exception being the Men’s 45’s Singles where newcomer Tony Cherry found holder John Watton on his best form. It was good to see a new face in the Final and hopefully other 45’s (of which there are many playing inter club matches) might be encouraged to enter a new (and dare it be said, steadier) era.
Elsewhere in the Singles, Bob Whitehead retained both his 55’s and 60’s titles (when will Niall Sweeney be persuaded to enter?) and in the 65’s Ray Murray got his revenge on Stuart Smith. This was a most entertaining match to watch and some of the younger finalists were astounded at the lengthy cat and mouse rallies. After two exhausting tie breaks the competitors elected to play a championship tie break with Ray emerging the winner.
The Doubles events were evenly contested, the stars being Parklangley’s Chris Mackenzie and David Willan appearing in both 55’s and 60’s Doubles. The 60’s were played first and after losing the first set on a tie break to Bromley LTC’s Peter Long and Peter Pharo, they bounced back to take the next two 6-3, 6-4. After such a long match the pair barely had time to breathe before they were back on court against holders Rob Andrew and Robin Garratt in the 55’s. Chris Mackenzie and David Willan immediately set about attacking the holders and held their nerve during a long first set tie break to take it. In the second set they actually had a break and two match points before the holders caught up and after yet another long tie break made it set all. At this stage David Willan’s tennis elbow made it impossible for him to continue and the Rob Andrew and Robin Garratt thankfully retained their trophy.
The 45’s Doubles was a high class contest between holders Phil Lynch and Arun Vethakkan and the Tunbridge Wells pair Simon Gent and Colin Coombes. The latter pair proved too solid overall and edged a close match 6-3, 7-5. The 70’s Doubles saw yet another first set tie break in which holders Denis Costelloe and Derek Taylor prevailed against Gravesham’s Phil Pretty and Graham Russell and they ran out more easily in the second set. Several observers noted that Denis’s big first serve had improved with age and frequently got him out of trouble. In the 65’s, seasoned campaigners and holders Keith Clark and Gary Sims were flawless in their win over County colleagues Ray Murray and David Drayson.
As always, Kent LTA President Austin Smith was on hand throughout to present trophies – a role greatly appreciated by both organiser and finalists.