Bath Road has once again provided a spectacle of tennis for local enthusiasts to enjoy this week, and some high-quality encounters are guaranteed when the main events reach their climax this weekend. For many it’s then on to Frinton on Monday for a higher grade Men’s event at Holland Road, though for the majority it will be the usual challenge of the Qualifying Tournament which begins on Sunday. Let’s hope the weather will be kinder than last year, when it literally poured all week !!
Returning to Suffolk matters, entry forms have now been distributed to ALL clubs for the 2011 Inter-Club Doubles Tournament, the end-of-season curtain raiser to be staged on the Bath Road courts of the Felixstowe Lawn Tennis Club on Sunday 4th September. Despite a poor response some years in terms of numbers, the Suffolk LTA have proudly continued with this historic event, which is always thoroughly enjoyed by all participants on the day, especially with Plate competitions being run.
Yes, the fixture list is now far more demanding, though it shouldn’t be difficult for clubs to find a pair of ladies and a pair of men, with many now taking the opportunity to give their leading juniors some invaluable competitive experience against high-quality opposition. The superb grasscourts and the cosy Bath Road ambience make Felixstowe an ideal venue for such an event, with any number of local attractions that can make it a day to remember ! The tennis is always of a high standard and played in excellent spirit, though the leading clubs are certainly keen to finish a great day as champions !!
Previewing the event is always a real headache, as one is never sure in advance which players are going to turn out on the day for their clubs. Looking back at the roll of honour it is not surprising the see the clubs that win the tournament on numerous occasions. Hosts Felixstowe head the list with 38 overall victories, having achieved the “double” on no less than 9 occasions. having achieved the “double” on no less than 9 occasions. Perhaps not boasting the strength in depth they once enjoyed, they always have talented individuals they can call on, Jamie Yates and Matt Kirby leading Felixstowe to victory over the Sports Club pairing of Chris Daynes and Paul Midgley last September.
Ipswich Sports Club , performing so well in the Aegon National League this Summer, have 25 overall titles to their name and are the defending Ladies’ champions this year, Louise Rogers and Tip Flory defeating Roundwood’s Louise Woods and Jane Hall in a hard-fought three-set final in 2010. Newmarket with 31 overall titles also have a proud record in this historic county event which the Suffolk LTA are very keen to keep promoting, though there has been a worrying and surprising lack of support on occasions. Many clubs now turn to their leading juniors who can gain invaluable experience.
Entries close as usual on the Monday of the Framlingham tournament, and it would be good to see revived support for this prestigious event and a record number of entries handed in to our hard-working County Administrator Sheelagh Watts. Sheelagh will once again be at the helm for the Suffolk Closed Junior Tournament at the end of August, the climax to the Summer Tournament Programme that all Suffolk juniors should try and enter. Like most tournaments, the Closed entries can be taken “on-line”, though these “on-line” entries are no excuse for missing the closing dates, so get organised !!
This Sunday will see many young enthusiasts representing their districts in the Suffolk Youth Games Tennis at Bury, and next week’s column will preview the challenge of the nationwide Inter-County Cup facing our senior teams, the Ladies hoping to climb out of the basement of Group 6B at Tunbridge Wells (not Felixstowe as originally decided), and our Men returning to Hunstanton where they will have to play out of their skins to retain their status in Group 3, the highest group in which our Men have ever appeared.No doubt skipper Jeremy Cowley and his powerful squad will be up for the challenge !!