On a day which started wet, members at Andover Lawn Tennis Club took part in the Wingfield Tournament at Balksbury.
It looked as if the whole event would have to be played indoors but the weather improved and was near perfect for tennis outside by the time the final was played.
The Wingfield is Andover’s oldest trophy and celebrates the invention of the modern game in 1874 by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, oddly, in an hour glass shaped court…which was soon changed. It was promoted in a commercial kit and designed for play on croquet lawns by men and women.
Fortunately we can all have access to Lawn Tennis now and an enjoyable afternoon was enjoyed by all, helped along by tea, coffee and cake.
Preliminary Round Robins were held and the top two pairs from each group were promoted to the semi-finals. All games were played on a sliding handicap system. This is a great leveller and all matches played were close.
In one semi-final, Ben Haley and Claire Thain narrowly defeated Adrian Shapter and Claire Reid.
In the other semi-final Reece Simpson and Louise Martin edged past John Snowden and Caroline Rowlands.
The Final was enjoyed by the spectators. There were close fought games but Reece’s consistency and power and Louise’s agility and determination saw them through. This was a first win for both of them and the first time the tournament has been played for several years.
Before the Tournament started, Claire Reid, on behalf of the committee, presented Anne Brooks of the Andover Food Bank with a £250 cheque and Boxes of food. The food bank is the club’s nominated charity this year.
