Now in its fifth year, the tournament was again held at the LTA County Ground over the weekend of the 27th and 28th July. Happily the recent run of good weather held and all the matches were completed without any interruptions for rain.
The tournament sections were for mens and ladies singles and doubles and this year eight league clubs entered their champions although the total number taking part was down on last year which is rather disappointing as the rules had been eased to allow substitution where the club champion became injured or was on holiday at the time of the event.
The players that did compete again produced some excellent tennis with tight, competitive matches played to a very high standard and as in previous years a round robin format was used to provide plenty of match play.
The ladies doubles saw Rosie Watkins and Peggy Deller representing East Bridgford TC, play against last year's champion Ann Brown with partner Sue Copestake, West Bridgford TC, with both pairs able to bring a wealth of experience to the final.
The match was played on grass and the low bounce and fast surface did seem to favour the more attacking game Ann and Sue were able to produce to take the title with a 6-2 6-1 win.
The ladies singles saw Ann Brown again in action reaching the final as defending champion and representing Mansfield TC. Her opponent this year was Sam Seaung, David Lloyd WB, a player with a sound technical game but with little match experience. This final of one set only, was also played on grass and produced a very interesting contest of quite differing styles; but in the final analysis Ann's experience and relentless ground strokes secured her the title for the second year running 6-2.
In the mens doubles, Chris Holmes and Barry Seamons representing David Lloyd Nottm ran through the round robin part of the event in bruising form to meet Steve White and Gareth Haggett, Welbeck, in a well contested and entertaining final which containing some quite sparkling grass court doubles play. Chris and Barry did eventually take the title after after two very close sets 7-5 6-4.
The round robin part of the mens singles event also produced a number of tough matches which perhaps reflected a move to the hard courts following heavy overnight rain. Andrew Higham, West Bridgford, reached the final with a clean sheet to play Liam Wright, Mansfield. This proved to be a close contest with fine hard hitting and punishing rallies with at times quite remarkable counter hit winners from Liam, but his improving form in the second set was not enough to stop Andrew running out the winner without dropping a set 6-2 6-4.
My thanks to all those taking part and to the league clubs who entered their club champions to compete this year and I look forward to seeing perhaps more taking part next year.
John Poxon
Photos:
Ladies Singles:- Sam Seaung and Ann Brown
Mens Singles:- Andrew higham and Liam Wright
Mens Doubles:- Chris holmes & Barry Seamon and Steve White & Gareth Haggett