Last weekend saw the climax to the Suffolk LTA Summer season, with the finals of a highly successful Junior Closed Tournament and the annual Inter-Club Doubles event on the Bath Road courts of the Felixstowe Tennis Club. Newmarket met with contrasting fortunes in the Inter-Club Doubles, unable to raise a Men’s pair at the last minute, but Natalie Bacon and Helen Hansgate capturing the Ladies’ title for the 3rd year running.
Newmarket’s toughest encounter was the semi-final match against 2001 winners Rushmere YM, led by Suffolk county player Laura Mee. The West Suffolk pair won through to the final with a tight 7-5 6-2 victory, where they met previous finalists Roundwood, represented by Jenny King and Louise Woods, Jenny + Louise knocking out the Ipswich Sports Club duo of Louise Rogers + Tip Flory in the semi-final. In the final Natalie + Helen were the more consistent pair, deservedly lifting the trophy for the 3rd year running with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 scoreline.
One of the day’s best matches in the Ladies saw Wortham record a fine lst Round victory over the host club Felixstowe, represented by Dee Grundy and coach Lysette Fulcher, Wortham coming back from a set down to record a notable 3-6 6-4 (10-8) success. The Ladies’ Plate went to the Stowmarket pairing of Mary Beesley + Linda Whipp, defeating a young Holbrook pairing in the decider.
It’s disappointing that such a prestigious event does not attract a better entry, with the outcome of the Men’s event proving just what an opportunity there is for clubs to give their aspiring juniors a chance to meet quality opposition and gain invaluable experience. Suffolk Men’s runner-up Ryan Lambert teamed up with club colleague and fellow junior Henry Patten to represent David Lloyd, enjoying a great day, victories over Stowmarket, St.John’s 1, Roundwood and finally hosts Felixstowe seeing them emerge as worthy champions.
Roundwood pulled off a good win over defending champions Ipswich Sports Club in Round 1, the Henley Road pairing of Chris Daynes + Ben Hough clinching the Men’s Plate title with victory over 2011 Plate winners Stowmarket. It was good to see both Wortham and St. John’s entering two pairs, Wortham 1 beating St John’s 2 7-6 7-5 in one of the closest battles of the day. The trophies were presented by former referee Gordon Blake and the Suffolk LTA President Bill Curtis, with the roll of honour as follows:-
MEN: David Lloyd bt Felixstowe. LADIES: Newmarket bt Roundwood
MEN’S PLATE: Ips. Sports bt Stowmarket LADIES’ PLATE: Stowmarket bt Holbrook
Talking of David Lloyd, the Ransome’s Europark club will be the venue this Sunday, September 8th, for a Talent ID session. These sessions are open to all, and Ollie Sutton, Ben Smith + Jeremy Cowley will be looking out for any potential stars of the future. Those interested should arrive as follows:-
2-3pm: Players born between lst April 2005 – 3lst August 2006
3-4pm: Players born between lst September 2006 – 3lst August 2007
Stowmarket were very much involved with the Inter-Club Doubles last weekend, and they give notice that there next major event is their Finals Day on Sunday 15th September. The matches will encompass all the different age-groups from 10 Unders to the Senior Veterans, with each age group learning a thing or two from each of the others. As ever, the town Mayor will be presenting the prizes before tea, and it’s hoped there will there will be plenty of support from club members. Normal service will be resumed soon as school re-starts. Contact Club Coach Chris Cunningham on : 01449-673246.