The sun shone brightly on Marlborough Tennis Club as they hosted their annual Club Championships Finals Day on Saturday 14th September. The day was a culmination of matches played since June and matches ran all day from early morning until late afternoon.
The new club house looked particularly resplendent and ensured that the spectators had fantastic views over all 6 courts. Great tennis was accompanied by plenty of refreshments, from lunch to delicious afternoon teas and prosecco – a recipe for a fun, sociable day.
A variety of matches from Improvers to experienced players were played, ensuring a high participation level of members and some well contested matches at all levels of play. One member Jonathon Anstee de Mas played in not one but 4 finals on the day!! Coach Elliot Kami ran the successful round robin Junior tournament.
In the Men’s singles, a new name was ensured on the trophy, as Milo Brookes and Tim Dennis battled it out for the title. All points were highly contested with some breathtaking rallies, both players moving around the court at great speed to return some seemingly impossible shots. In the end Milo clinched the title with a 6-4 7-5 win.
In the Ladies singles, 2021 title holder Iryada Ashmore came up against new entrant Eddie Charlton. This was nail biting three setter. Eddie took the first set 6-3, then with some skilful play Iryada rallied and took the second set 6-2. The play was not without errors but there were plenty of thrilling rallies to enjoy. So it was down to the Match tiebreak third set to decide who would take the title, and after one and half hours of play, Eddie took the match 10-2.
Neil Emery Charlie Smith / Phil Ridge Tim Dennis Photo Credit: Lucas Thompson
The Men’s Doubles well established pairing Charlie Smith and Neil Emery and winners of the title in 2021 came up against a new number 5 seed pairing of the seemingly indefatigable Tim Dennis and Phil Ridge. Despite some great tennis and many well contested games, Smith and Emery took the match to regain the trophy 6-2 6-1.
The Ladies Doubles final again featured sisters and number one seeds Rosie Scott and Amabel Harvey-Evers, who were narrowly beaten to the title last year. This year they came up against newly established pair Kath More and Penny Smith. The sisters, with great communication and some fantastic net play took the title 6-3 6-3 and will have their names on the trophy again for the first time since winning back in 2020.
In the annual roll-up doubles, a fun competition that often depends on the luck of the draw as partners are drawn out of a hat, Debs Kasp and Ed Riches played some blinding volleys in order to overcome Huw Thomas and Penny Smith. The spectators enjoyed the match and a lot of heckling with home-made banners ensured a great atmosphere!
The Mixed Doubles was one of the final matches played and was a real crowd pleaser. The spectators were treated to a great match with lots of high-level tennis. Rosie Scott and Tom Kiggell, three times winners of the trophy were challenged this year by Eddie Charlton and Tim Russell, both newcomers to the tournament. Rosie and Tom were challenged and pushed throughout the match with some strong match play by the opposition, but they dug deep and in the end were victorious yet again, winning 7-5 6-3
It was lovely to see the young Juniors of the club contesting the Under 14 trophy. There were lots of tussles for hard won points and a lot of grit and determination shown. The winners of the round robin went on to play a final match to decide the eventual winner Reuben beat Eliza in this match to win the trophy. Well done to Reuben and Eliza!
In a roundup of the Plate matches
Karen Maskell and Davide Bianchi beat Mary Ellis and Sean Moir in the roll up doubles plate 6-3 6-2
Jo Payne and Jon Anstee de Mas beat James Smith and Mary Ellis in the mixed doubles plate
Alice Murphy and Anne Carroll beat Jemma Baker and Jo Ripley in the ladies doubles plate
Alice Murphy beat Deborah Kasp in the ladies singles plate
Ed Riches beat Jon Anstee de Mas in the men’s singles plate
In the Improvers competition
Jon Anstee de Mas beat Dan Rogan in the singles
Chris Oakshott beat Sean Moir in the singles plate
Simon Meyer and Jon Anstee de Mas beat Jemma Baker and Sean Moir in the doubles
At the end of a joyful day of tennis trophies and prizes were presented by Club Sponsor RBC Brewin Dolphin’s representative Chris Harris.
Penny Dickinson Smith, tournament organiser, said, “I am delighted with how everything ran on the day. It was our biggest Club Championships to date with the most participants, and that, together with our new clubhouse and the sunshine, ensured a great day for everyone. We are grateful to RBC Brewin Dolphin and already looking forward to next year.”
u3a Open Day at The Town Hall on Wednesday next week (25 September)
