AUTUMN TOURNAMENT REPORT

2nd to 9th September

As you will know, we “re-badged” the Keith Wells Day as a week long handicap event this year, starting on Sunday 2nd September when everyone was required to play at least one match, and finishing on Saturday 8th with three finals and a social evening.

We had good entries in all three events and hardly a murmur of dissent, despite everyone playing in steady rain throughout Sunday afternoon! Excellent catering was provided on both the Sunday and the Saturday by Sylvia and her regular team, and we were delighted to have Ann Wells with us both days.

The tournament was in aid of The British Heart Foundation in memory of Keith Wells and by agreement 50% of all entry fees went to that Charity. I am delighted that £175 was raised from the entries, and a further £25 was donated from members who had not played. A cheque for £200 is on its way to that charity, and thanks to all who made this possible.

All the matches were close thus vindicating the handicapper, and the results were as follows:

The Keith Wells for Trophy Mixed Handicap Doubles:
Kay Bell and Glen Penn beat Stan Clarke and Lynn O’Brien

Ladies’ Handicap Doubles:
Ann Forrester and Judy Hughes beat Lynn O’Brien and Meg Powell

Men’s Handicap Doubles:
Howard Smart and Eddy Doyle beat Ieuan Owen and Kay Bell

Thanks to all who made the week a success, both the players and the helpers, and I would especially like to mention those juniors who took part, Sam Wileman, Jack Williamson and Simon Gillam. Despite the disappointment of losing a really close 3 set mixed doubles semi to Stan and Lynn, Jack was good enough to come back on Saturday and umpire the final. I calculate the combined age on court was some 17 times his own age, but he took no nonsense! A big thank you to Jack and perhaps an encouragement to our other juniors.

Roger Hughes