The 11th Annual Louise Willgrass Memorial Ladies’ Doubles Charity Tennis Tournament was held at East Anglia Tennis & Squash Club, Lime Tree Road, Norwich on Wednesday 14th October 2015.
The weather was extremely challenging offering up all its options but thankfully the heavy rain came during lunch. Thus, 30 pairs of ladies playing in 5 boxes of 6 took to the courts for the initial round-robin under the watchful eye of referee Derek Perry.
The top pair from each box plus the next best 3 runners up then went through to a knockout draw. The semi finals saw Susanna Cooper & Jo Gowing (Brooke) beat Sara Worley & Jenny Barton (Wortham) and Emily Wharton & Julia Waters (Wortham) beat Jane Ray & Eva Howkins (Diss/Lowestoft).
The raffle which included a Christmas Hamper and £50 voucher from Jarrolds, handbag from VANILLA, gift bags from City Farm Shop (at Notcutts) featuring a selection of local produce, Libby Ferris orchids, Top Spin Tennis goodies as well as many gifts from the players themselves was held during a delicious lunch laid on by the club and many thanks must go to the hard work of all the staff.
A hard-fought match saw Susanna Cooper & Jo Gowing beat Emily Wharton & Julia Waters in the one-set final. They were presented with beautiful bouquets supplied by Libby Ferris Flowers.
The approximately £800 proceeds of the event will be given to Cruse Bereavement Care Norwich, the chosen charity of the Willgrass family.
Next year, as usual, EATSC will be holding three ladies’ charity tournaments – Wednesday 11th May, Wednesday 15th June and Wednesday 12th October. Entry forms will be available nearer the time. To register your interest, please email organiser, Diane Bush – dianevbush@gmail.com
PHOTO attached: L-R Jo Gowing, Susanna Cooper, Julia Waters & Emily Wharton.