BISHOP SUTTON TENNIS CLUB TOURNAMENT FINALS 2008

The finalists on finals day, September 7 - More photographs below

Preparations for the tournament finals on Sunday were a little tentative and included frequent checking of the five day weather forecasts. The BBC became firm favourite as they forecast cloud with some showers, while others were giving out severe weather warnings. However on the day whilst the sun did not exactly shine it did remain dry and we had a superb day of tennis. As well as the biggest and most calorific tea ever provided by players there was a delicious lunch time BBQ, an all day bar and a raffle that made a considerable donation to the club house funds. At least 120 people attended and there were still about 40 people around to watch the end of the last match at the late hour of 7pm. Bishop Sutton has a reputation amongst the Avon league of friendliness and fairness and we saw the best of this today - no tears, tantrums or bad calls from seniors, juniors or even parents! Long may this be the case and a special thank you to the coaches for all their hard work in fostering this attitude.
SENIORS
The senior finals got off to a good start with junior coach Duncan Grew winning the mens singles against a valiant, sometimes noisy David Tonkin. The ladies final was won again by a very determined Sarah Lewis who beat Jane Parkes. The ladies doubles was won by veterans Charly Dando and Bridget Rylance who beat the young (well comparatively) and sprightly Sarah Pyke and partner Anne Collier. The mens doubles was a difficult one with father and son Collier facing each other over the net. In the end umpire Mark Taber had no problems as it was all played in good spirit with father Gareth and partner Mark Hunter vanquishing son Rob and partner Phil Jones. The mixed doubles saw young Sophie Williams and partner Mark Hunter narrowly defeating Nic Scott and Andy House.
JUNIORS
The junior girls final between Missy Wembridge and Rebecca Cox was a very hard fought match indeed with Missy winning the final competition tiebreak 10 – 7. Dan Gordon beat Harry McDonald in the boys final 7-6, 6-4. The under-12 boys match was won by Adrian Davis who beat the younger McDonald Charlie 7-6, 6-1. The girls doubles was won by Charlotte Wareham and Jessica Boardman against Isabel Hoy and Eleanor Finch. All these matches took so long that all the senior matches were finished and the boys doubles was then able to be played on the number 1 showcourt. This was finally won under lights by Dan Gordon and Charlie McDonald against James Cox and Benjii Stephenson.
MINIS
The Orange Mini’s box was won by Freddie Saunders after a marathon match against Rob Hunt, and the Green box was won by Oliver Morgan beating young Elliot Joyner.
Many thanks to Sally Wright, popular retired coach, for presenting the prizes, and to all helpers, chefs, bar tenders, tea makers, washer uppers, court sweepers, umpires, and finally all the players.
 Ironfist

More photographs from finals day

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Doubles winners Bridget Rylance and Charly Dando

Sally Wright with some of the juniors