2nd favourites Felixstowe had a comfortable passage to the final, comfortably defeating Stowmarket and Roundwood in straight sets, though the other half of the draw was far less predictable. The father and son combination of Roy and Paul Midgley secured a first round victory for top seeds the Ipswich Sports Club, though with Sam Sheldrake taking over from Roy, Ipswich went out in the semi-final 2-6 5-7 to the experienced David Lloyd pairing of Ollie Sutton and Ross Challis.
An entertaining Men’s decider was evenly poised at one set-all and a break to David Lloyd when the threatened rain finally appeared, and despite a brief attempt to finish off on Astroturf, a re-start looked impossible and the two clubs decided to share the trophy, bringing a disappointing finish to what had been an enjoyable day’s tennis for all, the only downside being the disappointing entry of just 8 Men’s + Ladies’ teams for such a prestigious Suffolk LTA annual event.
The Plate events always ensure that all competitors have at least two matches, and both Plate competitions were very keenly fought. The Men’s semi-finals produced two comfortable victories for Rushmere YM and Stowmarket, Woodbridge very sensibly encouraging their juniors with George Adey teaming up with James Parsons. The final was a really see-saw three-set encounter, the Stowmarket pairing of Chris Cun ningham and Paddy Lea eventually overcoming the Rushmere YM team of David Poole and Chris King 6-2 3-6 6-4.
Fortunately the Ladies’ event was completed before the rain arrived, the tried and trusted Newmarket pairing of Christine Sprowell and Katie Jarvis playing some sharp tennis in the final to record a convincing 6-0 6-2 victory over top seeds and defending champions the Sports Club , represented by Suffolk Champions Louise Rogers and Katie Tassell.
The only three-setter saw Felixstowe beating David Lloyd 6-1 2-6 6-1 in a first round encounter.
David Lloyd Ladies went on to reach the final of the Ladies’ Plate, though Tiggy Challis and Vicky Greenleaf found the Roundwood pairing of Louise Woods and Jenny King too strong in the deciding match, fighting hard but going down 3-6 2-6. The clubs who supported the day all commented on just how much they had enjoyed the event, and it’s to be hoped there will be more support county-wide in future years. Gordon Blake made a very welcome appearance, presenting the trophies to the winning clubs, and the full results were as follows:
MEN’S DOUBLES :lst Round: Ipswich Sports bt St.John’s 6-2 6-2, David Lloyd bt Rushmere YM 6-3 6-1, Roundwood bt Woodbridge 6-3 1-6 6-2, Felixstowe bt Stowmarket 6-1 6-1
Semi-finals : David Lloyd bt Ipswich 6-2 7-5, Felixstowe bt Roundwood 6-3 6-3
Final: Divided (due to heavy rain!)
MEN’S PLATE: Semi-finals : Rushmere bt St.John’s 6-2 6-4, Stowmarket bt Woodbridge 6-3 6-3
Final: Stowmarket bt Rushmere YM 6-2 3-6 6-4
LADIES’ DOUBLES : lst Round: Ipswich bt Stowmarket 6-1 6-2, Felixstowe bt David Lloyd 6-1 2-6 6-1, Rushmere YM bt Sproughton 6-2 6-2, Newmarket bt Roundwood 6-1 6-3
Semi-finals: Ipswich bt Felixstowe 6-2 6-1, Newmarket bt Rushmere YM 6-1 6-3
Final: Newmarket bt Ipswich 6-0 6-2
LADIES’ PLATE: Semi-finals: David Lloyd bt Stowmarket 6-3 6-2, Roundwood bt Sproughton 6-1 6-4
Final: Roundwood bt David Lloyd 6-3 6-2
Greater participation remains a priority countrywide if we are to continue to grow the game, with membership of a thriving tennis club essential for tennis enthusiasts wanting to make the most of their opportunities. Two events being run over the Winter are ideal for any budding juniors, the first being the Suffolk Schools Winter Tennis League, in which competitors arrange their own matchplay. Those wishing to enter should contact the Referee Gillian Fewkes immediately on 01473-438241 or at : gill.fewkes@hotmail.com.
Tip Flory is running the 6th Annual Save the Children Junior Doubles Tournament at the Ipswich Sports Club on Sunday 18th September from 10am-3pm. The event is open to 13 Unders with a rating no better than 8.2, with the National Finals to be staged at the National Tennis Centre in October. With donations matched pound for pound by the UK Government, this is a very worthy event, so please contact Tip Flory on 01473-738055 or at: tipflory@aol.com
This is the final column of what has been a usual busy and successful Summer season, though please keep me informed of all tennis activities and results over the next few months, so that achievements can be fully publicised. Our Men’s County team take pride of place with their awesome promotion to Group 2, though the Ladies are building up a stronger squad for the future, and there have been any number of notable successes across the board from our Juniors to our enthusiastic and dedicated Veteran teams. Well done all: let’s keep aiming for even better in the future !!
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