The Annual Tournament moves on apace aided by the stricter deadlines imposed. The downside to this is that plenty of matches have resulted in walkovers. Although the misfortune of injuries will always occur, it does highlight in some quarters a lack of commitment and support for the event.
On with the court action and the Men’s A Singles. Hot favourite Andy Major faced some early resistance from the highly promising George Pettifer, before taking the first set 6-4. The top seed asserted in the second set to complete his victory 6-0, but had plenty of praise for his gallant opponent. John Green was on the verge of producing an upset against 4th seed Andy Craig when he took the first set 6-3. John looked home and hosed when leading 5-2 in the second, but in his front running role he again mistook the winning post, allowing Andy to pounce late stealing the set 7-6, and leveling the match. The ultra consistent Andy landed the decider 6-1, and John may benefit from blinkers being fitted for his next outing. Oliver Sanders had a walkover due to the disappointing withdrawal of Finn Cowcher, and will face Guy Lamming in the semi’s after second seed Andrew Wilson-Smith withdrew through injury.
In a hard hitting A Doubles match, top seeds Andy Craig and Andrew Wilson-Smith took on the improving duo of Ollie Sanders and George Pettifer. Plenty of quality tennis ensued with the first set going to the top seeds 6-3. After trailing in the second set Ollie and George staged a great comeback to land the set 7-5. They could not quite maintain their momentum in the decider which went 6-3 to Andy and Andrew. Ollie and George had previously defeated Beetle Clay and Steve Watson in straight sets, and are likely to join the top seeds in the semi-finals. In the other group of the round robin David Sanders and James Bailey (injured) withdrew leaving Guy Lamming and Dik Van Lomwel to defeat William and Archie Godman-Dorington in a close fought encounter, with both pairs sure of a place in the semi-finals.
In the Men’s B Singles Alex Van Lomwel looks to have bridged the gap, from being last year’s Boys’ Singles winner, into the senior event, and after defeating 4thseed Vincent Leysen 6-2,6-3 he became the first semi-finalist, in which he will meet top seed Beetle Clay or the enigmatic Harry Challen. Second seed David Sanders has Tom Creed or Archie Godman-Dorington to overcome before he can claim a place in the final.
In the Men’s B Doubles top seeds Peter Bradley and Mike Dimmer were ousted from the event by the father and son team of Brett and the improving Tom Creed, who fully deserved their 6-3,6-4 victory. Archie and Harry Challen were the first to reach the semi’s after defeating the gallant Josef Amin and Jonny Green 6-4,6-2.
The Ladies Singles was strewn with withdrawals, including an unfortunate injury to Jess Clay. Nevertheless there will be plenty of quality tennis to come. Second seed Emma Amin and Angie Thornley have progressed to the semi’s, and in the top half of the draw we have the likelihood of a teenage semi-final between the holder Ailsa Green and the rapidly improving Nikki Sanders. Not to be missed!
The Ladies A Doubles has suffered withdrawals, injuries, and reshuffles, and the very likely outcome is a final between Emma Amin and Sian Green, and Ailsa Green and Nikki Sanders. Another match not to be missed!
The Ladies B doubles reached the semi-finals without a ball being struck in anger, after 4 quarter final withdrawals. What else can I say – nowt!
The largest entry and the most credit goes to the popular Family Mixed event. Steve (elusive) Watson, and his very able daughter Gabriella look like justifying their top seeding after two wins earned them an early place in the semi-finals. Only one withdrawal, by the number two seeds, and everyone else has progressed to the quarter finals. Just a little tale to tell. Have you heard the one about the dad who was politely asked whether he and his daughter could play their second round match.
“Didn’t know we were in this event,” said dad. “Well,” came the reply, “you did win your first round match!” Senility can strike at any time as readers of this waffle may be noticing.
Alex Van Lomwel won last years Boys’ Singles, and due to a shortage in numbers has been given a second bite of the cherry, he is due to meet Kofi Atkinson. The rapidly improving 12 year old Jonny Green had an impressive 6-2,6-0 win over Charlie Gyles. Josef Amin defeated Jacob Thornley 6-4,6-3, and Tom Creed beat Jamie Thornley 6-0,6-1.
We have made a very good start to the East Hants League season. The Ladies A and B teams and the Mixed Doubles team are flying high in their respective leagues, whilst it has been much harder for our newly formed Men’s Squad.
Mike Dimmer