Main photograher: Sofia Milone
A list of all winners, and match scores can be found here.
Saturday 14th September saw the first 3 finals of our annual tennis tournament. A large crowd were treated to a feast of high quality play from start to finish. The sun shone and both the bar and the barbecue were kept very busy. The barbecue ultimately sold out. Reputation had obviously leaked out!
Proceedings began with a keenly contested Women's Singles match. The well anticipated match-up lived up to expectations. Katie Hudson-Davies made a strong start but we never doubted that Sofia Milone wouldn’t have a say in matters. Katie hung in to prevail, eventually winning 7-5, 6-4.
The Men’s Singles produced an epic battle of the titans between George Watts and Chris Philpott. The quality of performance was sublime with onlookers on the edge of their seats. With small margins deciding the outcome, Chris managed to overcome a fierce challenge from George, winning 6-3, 6-3.
The spectators were then treated to another incredibly close 3 set match in the Men’s Doubles. Adam Wolstanholme and James Varty (flying the flag for the Juniors) pitted their wits and their creditable tennis skills against Dan Cochlin and Norman Paton. After winning the first set, Adam and James needed a reset, when Dan and Norman hauled themselves back into contention by taking the second set. The third set was a thrilling climax to the day, with set points going both ways. Dan and Norman finally managed the winning shot to rapturous applause. The final score was 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.
After 2 1/2 weeks of hard competition, the day was a great credit to the organisers and to the standard of play we are seeing at West Heaton. The quality of performance and the level of entertainment were maintained throughout the whole afternoon. Well done to everyone involved in all aspects of the organisation and to everybody who took part. The day was a great showcase for our wonderful club.
Sunday 15th September was back to the expected Summer weather for this year.The rain poured down, with finalists and a hardy but expectant crowd disappointed by the puddles on court 4. The Women's Doubles was postponed and the Mixed Doubles moved to later the same afternoon.
In spite of a continuing deluge, the competitors decided to play and a crowd of nearly 40 brave spectators settled in for a highly entertaining event. The court and the balls got increasingly soggy but the positivity of the finalists was unwavering. Joyce Barclay and Adam Wolstanholme battled tirelessly against the formidable partnership of Issy Laing-Smith and George Riley, who eventually came out on top with a score of 6-1, 7-5. In a situation where the weather threatened to be the winner, the spirit of West Heaton shone throughout the rain soaked proceedings. A great credit to our wonderful club!
On Wednesday 18th September, the last of the finals - the Women's Doubles - was eventually played out in front of an enthralled crowd, equalling the numbers experienced at the weekend matches. The weather was perfect after the heavy rain on Sunday. There were many hard fought, very close rallies and the games were extremely tight. Nicola Humphries and Sofia Milone worked terrifically hard to ward off the strong and determined challenge from Marianne Gibson and Amy Louvre 6-2, 6-2. As with all of the previous contests, the competition was keenly contested but played in a great spirit. Well done to all 4 players!
The entire tournament was a great credit to the organisers - Adam Wolstanholme, Neil Duffit and Sofia Milone, with assistance from Julie Woosey and the Tennis Committee. Following the thorough planning and meticulous preparation, everything ran like clockwork. The crowds were out in force to enjoy the wonderful tennis and the odd visit to the bar. Thanks to Simon and all the bar staff for keeping us well watered. Thanks to the chefs at the barbecue - Steve Woosey and Tim Pattinson. Well done to all our umpires and line judges for their excellent policing of performances. Congratulations to all our winners, runners-up and to those who simply entered.
A special mention to our juniors, who gave a great account of themselves and raised a few eyebrows with a new season on the horizon. To anyone, who kindly helped in any way and hasn’t received a mention, you are nevertheless, a vital cog in everything that makes West Heaton work so well. Next year will be here before you know it! Keep practising!
Pete Jordan, President
All photos of the event can be viewed here. Many thanks to our main photographer, Sofia Milone.
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