Summer finals day July 2014

What a fantastic finals day it was this year – one of the best I think!!  The weather was gorgeous to say the least (apart from one short downpour in the early evening), there was a great selection of 14 matches being played throughout the day involving 44 players from U10’s to seniors, many of the matches were closely contested, the standard of tennis was very high and we took record sales on the bar!!!  I received a text on Sunday which I think summed up the day very well – great vibe, great matches, great club!!

As always there are lots of people to thank, without whom the day could not have been so successful, so here goes ….

Firstly thank you to everyone who either played in matches or who came along to support the finalists.  It was great to see so many social members as well as family & friends.  Secondly to Patience, Nicola & Chris Hicks in particular who helped with the general administration of the tournaments, organising trophies & helping with the presentations, arranging the draw, collecting & keeping track of entry fees etc. – they are invaluable and indispensible!  Also to Chris Watson for sorting out all the junior matches and to MDL in general for their help throughout the year.  I am very grateful to all the umpires who gave up their time to help – they included Chris H, Fio, Dana, Charlotte (who did 2 matches!), Lesley, Chris W, Nicola and Debbie, as well as to Rob who helped set all the chairs up in the morning.  Thanks to Samantha Manton for ball girling the ladies singles match – it was much appreciated!  Then there are the caterers who provided tea, coffee, sandwiches, quiches & cakes – Clare W and Val were the main people but I know that Ginnie, Nicola, Marilyn and others also contributed.  A special thank you to Jim & Mike (and anyone else who helped) for the delicious BBQ food – I think it worked well having the food available to order on the day and with the BBQ at that later time.  Also to Clive and Derek for taking all the photos – these will be on display at the club fairly shortly and will also be posted on our website.  Derek was also asked by the Croydon Advertiser to submit an article and photos from finals day, so watch out for that feature!  Finally to the bar servers (mainly Derek, Marilyn and Graham but I’m sure a few others too) who provided us with much needed refreshments throughout the day and into the evening (especially the Pimms!) – there were quite a few people still left after 9pm so it’s not surprising the takings were so good!  There are many, many people to thank, I hope I haven’t left anyone out!!

And now to the results below, with special congratulations to all the winners:

U10 Boys Singles

Noah Tolfrey beat Jay Rabheru 4-0, 4-3

U14 Boys Singles

Charlie Trzcinski beat Adam Dunn 6-2, 6-0

U18 Boys Singles

James Williamson beat Shaun Barker 6-1, 6-2

U18 Boys Doubles

Shaun Barker & Malo Green beat James Williamson & Joe Todd 6-2, 6-4

Ladies Singles

Sue Manton beat Carrie Askew 7-6, 6-4

Ladies Singles Plate

Dee Easter beat Lara Cook 6-4, 6-3

Mens Singles

Chris Watson beat Tom Leadbitter 5-7, 6-3, 6-4

Mixed Doubles

Lake Moonpen & Sue Manton beat Ian James & Lesley Gale 1-6, 6-1, 6-1

Mixed Doubles Plate

David & Chris Platonoff beat Ian Christie & Lara Cook 4-6, 6-4, 6-4

Ladies Doubles

Ginnie Stone & Lesley Gale beat Danielle Hack & Holly Gale 7-6, 6-4

Ladies Doubles Plate

Bernie Slatford & Jacqui Lloyd beat Claire Fenwick & Lara Cook 6-4, 6-0

Mens Doubles

Tom Leadbitter & Joe Hayward beat Chris Watson & Fio Marconi 7-5, 6-2

Unisex Doubles

Ian Christie & Clare Wooldridge beat Jon Majin & Bernie Slatford 6-4, 6-4

Unisex Doubles Plate

Andrew Sexton & Lisa Kirk beat Mike Dunphy & Dee Easter 6-4, 3-6, 6-4

I hope that everyone will find plenty of opportunities to play lots of tennis and support the bar during the summer months – let’s make the most of the warmer weather while it lasts!