The Club Open Day attracted plenty of on-court action, with some of our best youngsters showing great enthusiasm, and it was good to see Coach Richard Hopp adding some motivation, not much needed by these lads, however. Plenty of members came to pay their subs as Treasurer Richard Gyles mopped his brow in relief. Many still to pay, so come on folks keep your Club afloat, and ensure a healthy and progressive future.
The Tennis tournament was underway with some early matches, and Ladies 4th seed Nikki Sanders was soon on court to make sure Dad’s tournament was not flagging in the early stages. She met the up and coming Gabby Watson in the first round of the Singles. Nikki has enjoyed a winter of good tennis with Storrington’s Womans first team, and the experience is beginning to show, a more composed approach and accurate shot placements gave the gallant Gabby little chance as the 4th seed cruised to a 6-2,6-1 victory. This is an exciting event with the other 3 seeds Aisla Green (1), Emma Amin (2) and Sian Green (3) adding to the interest. Ailsa to take her third title in a row is the choice.
The first round of the Men’s B Doubles saw a closely contested fixture between Joe Amin and Jonny Green, and Ian Thornley (the man of many comebacks) and son Elliott. On a sunny morning with a cold north easterly breeze, it was some impressive serving from Ian that enabled the senior pair to take a nail biting first set 7-6 after a tiebreak. The enthusiasm of youth enabled the youngsters to come back strongly and take the second set 6-2, and it was all square. The decider saw Ian and Elliott take a 3-0 lead, but super fit youngsters Joe and Jonny upped the ante and battled through the next six games to close out the match 6-3, and take a very early place in the semi’s. Top seeds in this event are Peter Bradley and Mike Dimmer (they cannot be serious!), and Harry and Archie Challen.
I will preview the remaining events starting with the Men’s A Singles in which top seed Andrew Major will be a hot favourite to retain his title. A lot will depend on the amount of improvement found by Ollie Sanders after a winter of Sussex league tennis with Storrington, but he will firstly need to reverse last seasons defeat by Andrew Wilson-Smith. Andy Craig is clearly the rest of the best, but has plenty to find.
The Men’s A Doubles is the only round robin event this year with two groups of 3 pairs in contention. The holders Andy Craig and Andrew Wilson-Smith look the likely winners of Group A, with youngsters Ollie Sanders and George Pettifer the main opposition. Beetle Clay and Steve Watson need a couple of career best performances to reach the final.
In Group B we welcome William Godman-Dorington, a rave from the past, and son Archie making his Graffham debut. They have plenty on their plate in a tricky group. There should not be much between the other two pairs, although Guy Lamming and Dik Van Lomwel may have the edge over James Bailey and David Sanders,
The Men’s B Singles has a good entry of 15, and is an opportunity for Beetle Clay to add to his trophy cabinet. The main dangers are probably David Sanders and Peter Bradley although lively outsiders Harry Challen and Archie Godman-Dorington add to the interest. Improving youngster Alex Van Lomwel could be the “dark horse” and I can see him reaching the semi’s at least.
The Ladies A Doubles has had early casualties, with second seeds Anna Moore and Rebecca Ruff pulling out, and 1,000-1 shots (skinny odds) Dinah Lamming and Philippa Sanders have been gifted a place in the semi-finals. Top seeds Sian Green and Emma Amin will be hard to beat, but should they click as a pair, Ailsa Green and Nikki Sanders are very likely to take the title. But beware the rank outsiders!
Providing they curb their moments of erratic madness Susie Oakley and daughter Tara must surely land the B Doubles. Gabby Watson and Cressida Lamming are a promising pair, let’s hope they at least make the start this year. It is good to see the evergreen duo of Rosemary Sutton and Sue Hill in the line up.
The Family Mixed Doubles fun event draws the largest entry and probably rests between Steve and Gabby Watson and Adele and Alex Van Lomwel.
Last but not least is the competitive Boys’ Singles, an enthusiastic group of improvers who are credit to our Club and very much a part of the future. On this occasion the holder Alex Van Lomwel should have too many guns for the opposition.
With the introduction of a Men’s team in the East Hants League we have 39 matches to get through. Here’s hoping the Ladies A team have a change of luck after the misfortunes of last year by winning Division Two and claiming their rightful place in the Top Division. We always like our members to support the teams and fixture dates can be found on the Website, Club Notice Board or in the Parish News.
Enjoy your tennis, and remember it’s the taking part that counts, not the winning. Who am I kidding!
Mike Dimmer.