This is Andover Lawn Tennis Club’s biggest day of the year. Championship rounds have been played over the preceding months. There is much anticipation of close-fought, entertaining finals.
Fingers were firmly crossed for the good weather, we normally get at the beginning of September as the schools go back.
The weather turned out to be changeable and the indoor courts proved invaluable in enabling the completion of all matches.
The quality of play, however, shone brightly and entertained a large group of spectators for the whole day, as the weather outside varied from torrential rain to warm sunshine. Delicious food and a raffle also helped.
The club’s special Guest of Honour was multiple Championship winner and very successful team Captain, Jennie Pope. Jennie presented awards with head coach and junior championship organiser, Joe Revelle.
Prizes were first presented to end of year club award winners and then to the championship winners and runners up.
Junior Club ‘End of Year’ Award Winners
Most Improved Saturday Juniors, The Coomer Award- Ivor Elliot-Smith, Henry Browne & Alexandra Browne
Most Improved Mini, The Margaret Winnett Cup- Imogen Fry
Most Improved Junior, The Wakeham Cup- Amelia Martin
Most Outstanding Club Junior, The Joan Reeve Cup- Leo Crewell and Amelia Martin
Junior Club Championships Winners
Under 8 Winner - Benjamin Ibbotson, Runner Up - Imogen Fry
Under 9 Winner - Liliana Mawo, Runner Up - Serena Mawo
Under 10 Winner - Liliana Mawo, Runner Up - Sebastian De Marco
Under 12 Boys Winner - Henry Browne, Runner Up - Sebastian De Marco
Under 12 Girls Winner - Connie Soon, Runner Up - Alice Martin
Under 14 Boys Winner - Xander Martin, Runner Up - Ryan Crewell
Under 14 Girls Winner - Connie Soon, Runner Up - Amelia Martin
Under 16 Boys Winner - Xander Martin, Runner Up - Isaac Robinson
Under 16 Girls Winner - Karolina Miller, Runner Up - Amelia Martin
Under 18 Boys Winner - Hari Putt, Runner Up - Ned Barnett
Under 18 Girls Winner - Maria Sharova, Runner Up - Karolina Miller
Under 14 Boys Doubles Winners - Xander Martin & Ryan Crewell, Runners Up - Arav Pareek & Barney Barnett
Under 14 Girls Doubles Winners - Alice Martin & Tabathan Hann, Runners Up - Meredith De Marco & Madison Tuffrey
Under 16 Boys Doubles Winners - Leo Crewell & Ryan Crewell, Runners Up - Sam Putt & Luca Sangiorgio
Under 16 Girls Doubles Winners - Meredith De Marco & Sorina Zamfir, Runners Up - Molly Putt & Tilly Wilson
Under 18 Boys Doubles Winners - Leo Crewell & Declan Cann, Runners Up - Hari Putt & Ned Barnett
The adult finals were generally later in the day.
The men’s Singles final was a particular highlight with a very high standard of play from two young players. Tom Lee and Kyrill Kennett were both serving and returning so well that there were several breaks of serve both ways before Kyrill made crucial breaks, confirmed by service holds, to win both sets 6-4, 6-4.
The men’s doubles final was another exciting affair with Graeme Ellis and Joe Revelle made to work hard to retain the trophy they won last year. The tennis was highly competitive as Ant Brown and Andrew Winnett showed the skills and experience that made them past winners. Crucial breaks of serve, however, were made by Graeme and Joe towards the end of each set as they won 6-3, 6-4.
In the mixed final, just one break gave Martyn Isherwood and his partner the first set against Claire Reid and Ant Brown. The second set saw Claire and Ant take an early lead only to be overtaken at the end as Martyn and Martha took the trophy 6-3, 6-4.
The ladies final saw Maria Sharova’s consistency win the trophy against Luciana Salazar-Lewis.
The senior men’s final was closely contested as two former winners met. Al Williams lost the first set to Andy Winnett, but won the second set and the deciding tie-break, 4-6, 6-2, 10-5, to take the trophy again.
The ladies doubles was awarded to Claire Reid and Kate Gailey as Jen Fleet’s partner was unwell.
Plate Competitions were run for those who did not win their first rounds.
The men’s plate singles went to George Beare against Adam Cavalier and the mixed plate went to Maria Sharova and Isaac Robinson against Sedona Jamieson and Alex Boldis.
Thanks are due to all those who worked to make a very enjoyable celebration of our beautiful game and the skills of our very talented players.
Trevor Blake 09 2024