Ramsbury Tennis Club made full use of its new clay courts on Sunday July 20th when the club held its Finals Day. Christopher Snelling, Publicity Officer, has written the following report.
“There was no shortage of drama at Ramsbury Tennis Club on Sunday as spectators gathered for an action-packed Finals Day. Despite battling through heavy showers punctuated by bursts of sunshine, the event delivered high-quality tennis and a vibrant atmosphere, played out for the first time on the club’s newly expanded artificial clay courts.
The men’s doubles final opened proceedings, with defending champions David Langton and Sam Viravong facing Chris Proctor and Karl Stacey in a repeat of last year’s match. Langton, a seasoned campaigner with many Finals Days under his belt, once again brought his trademark court craft to the occasion. After falling behind 0-3 in the opening set, Langton and Viravong mounted a sensational comeback, winning 11 games on the trot to take the title 6-3, 6-1.
In the ladies’ doubles final, a familiar rivalry resumed as sisters Clare Allman and Jane McGovern faced Annabel Wade and daughter Olivia for the third consecutive year. The Wades, winners in 2023, reclaimed their crown with a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6 win, toppling the defending champions in a match rich in aggressive baseline rallies and sharp net play.
Thirteen-year-old Olivia Wade delivered a standout performance. She combined maturity beyond her years with pinpoint accuracy in her groundstrokes, leaving many spectators predicting a bright future for the teenager.
“Everyone played so well. I’m just happy to have been part of it,” said a modest Olivia after the trophy presentation, sharing a smile with her mother.
The mixed doubles final saw Edward Taylor and Lissa Muncer edge out Lee Cowan and Milly Walsh 6-4, 6-4 in a well-balanced contest. Cowan and Walsh looked poised to force a deciding set, but Taylor and Muncer held firm with composed teamwork and solid consistency to close out the match in straight sets.
Muncer returned to court later in the day for the ladies’ singles final, facing off against Jacqy McQue. Both players, already battle-worn from earlier matches, engaged in a tactical and endurance-driven clash. Muncer claimed the first set 6-3. McQue responded with a 4-6 second set before Muncer edged the deciding championship tiebreak 10-5 to secure the title.
The men’s singles final proved to be a showstopper. Sam Viravong, who had effortlessly swept aside his opponents in the earlier rounds, entered the match as the clear favourite.
But standing in his way was 14-year-old Andrew Luo, an exceptional young county player gaining recognition on the national U16 circuit. What followed was an epic contest hailed by many as the finest Ramsbury men’s singles final in living memory.
The two players delivered a masterclass in modern tennis, with momentum swinging wildly throughout. Viravong took the first set 6-3, before Luo stormed back to level the match 2-6. In a gripping championship tiebreak, Luo raced ahead 5-0 and appeared on the brink of a major upset. But Viravong, showing nerves of steel, mounted an extraordinary comeback to win 10-6, sealing the title and capping off a thrilling contest.
Plate competition results included a commanding 6-0, 6-1 win for Tony Luo over Reuben Beck in the men’s singles, and a 6-2, 7-5 victory for Cameron Fraser and Vanessa Smith in the mixed doubles against Ben Green and Rachel Dowdell. Lee Cowan and Ian Cresswell dominated the men’s doubles plate final with a 6-0, 6-0 triumph over Kevin Jauncey and Chris Clark. In the closest of the plate matches, Jacqy McQue and Fiona Bailey beat Emma Littler and Fiona Cresswell 7-6, 5-7, 10-6 in the ladies’ doubles.
Adding to the day’s community spirit, the popular Roger Henry Tournament took place in the morning, with 29 adult-and-junior pairs taking part. Victory went to Ben Green and his nine-year-old son Beau, in a heart-warming moment of family success.
The tournament organiser was senior coach Neil Little, assisted by Elizabeth Snelling. Trophies were presented by club president Ethel Hutchings. A BBQ, high tea and bar service were available during the day, expertly managed by committee volunteers.”
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