This year, as for last, the Club Championships were held over a single weekend – 28th-31st August. The weather was cold and rather damp on the Friday night, Saturday and Sunday for all the rounds and it was rather remarkable that all but one of the qualifying matches were played before Finals Day on Bank Holiday Monday.
Finals Day was a good deal warmer and even sunny! We the junior finals also taking place there was a full programme to keep the large crowd entertained. The bar was open and picnics were eaten at an appropriate social distance on the old bowls green.
The Senior Competitions
In the men’s singles, Asa Sumner-Keens surrendered his crown to Harper Mills (almost exactly one year his junior but with the higher rating). The power hitting was incredible to watch and Harper won in straight sets – his first victory over Asa in a couple of years.
The women’s singles was a battle between two 12-year-olds (born on the same date!). Erin and Olivia B had already played each other in the U12 Girls final (see below) and the rematch saw another win for Erin with the match again going to a championship tie-break.
In the men’s doubles, Gary Keens and Asa Sumner-Keens successfully defended their title in straight sets against Brenton Mattheus and Andy Robertson. This was the final senior match of the day and most of the crowd stayed to watch it.
The women’s doubles was an all junior affair, with scratch pairing Aimee and Khensani playing against Erin and Clara. Aimee, 15 and a highly rated junior, was playing with nine-year-old Khensani and the problem for Erin and Clara was to keep the ball away from Aimee, which no other challengers had been able to do. Erin and Clara were up to the challenge and took the match.
Finally, the mixed final was played between Gary Keens and Gail Corcoran, the defending champions, and the younger pairing of Asa and Aimee. As expected, the win went to Asa and Aimee in straight sets.
So, almost a clean sweep for the juniors (thank goodness for Gary!) who demonstrated what excellent coaching, focus and dedication can achieve.
Thanks to all the parents, officials, participants and spectators for making this such a successful event. Particular thanks to Paul Hope and Helen Stacy for organising everything.
Junior Competitions
The early rounds were played earlier in the week, with the finals played in front of the crowd on Monday.
In the U9s, Oscar beat Corey in straight sets. U10s, Oscar just pipped Khensani to the title in a very tight match. U11 Boys Oscar beat Oliver in straight sets again!
Grace beat Olivia D in the U11 Girls competition in a tight championship tie-break. Grace was 9-3 up but Olivia came back to 9-8 before Grace could finally take the win. Fred won the U12s Boys competition against Seb in straight sets and Erin won the U12 Girls beating Olivia B in a final tie-break.
In the U16 Boys final, Seth took on Fred. Having almost beaten Asa the previous day, Seth was the favourite, but Fred took the first set 4-3 in a tie break. Seth came back, taking the second set 4-0 and the match went to a tie-break. Seth won this 10-6 – a great match.
