Bill Silvey inter-club memorial tournament

The inaugural Bill Silvey inter-club memorial tournament held at Sanderstead LTC on Sunday 8th September was a great success, so thank you to everyone who came along to show their support. There were a total of 30 juniors representing many local clubs – thanks to Mark Love and the MDL coaches in particular for securing so many entries and for running the day. The standard of tennis was very high and thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Unfortunately the weather gradually deteriorated as the afternoon went on, however this didn’t deter the players and they braved the rain while the spectators watched from inside the bar and the great viewing area in the newly refurbished hall.

The players started off with round robin matches and then the top 4 in each event ended the day with two very good finals. The winners of the U14 event were Holly Gale & Grace Greaves (Banstead Downs), who beat Matthew Robinson & Ewan Barnes (Purley Bury) 6-1. In the U18 mixed event, Danielle Hayter (Purley Bury) & Yash Senjit (South Croydon) won their match 7-5 against Flora McEwan (Virgin Active & Shirley Park) & James Gibbens (Sanderstead LTC & Virgin Active). The winners of the main event were presented with the Bill Silvey inter-club memorial trophy by members of Bill’s family. Their names will be engraved on the trophy, which will remain behind the bar until the following year. Congratulations to all the players for putting on such a fantastic show and for getting the tournament off to a great start! It was wonderful to have all the courts in use and the grounds full of supporters, and we hope to get even more juniors to participate in the future.

A huge thank you goes to Bernadette Silvey who provided all the food – and together with her team of helpers (especially Marilyn Canty and no doubt other friends & family), they provided a very impressive feast! Thank you also to others who helped on the day, especially Derek for taking all the photos and for making a lovely speech, Graham on the bar and Chris W for his court and grounds maintenance.

All in all, a very successful and entertaining day – and one we hope to repeat for many years to come!