Winter Tournament 2007

Horley Lawn Tennis Club hold the Finals of their winter handicap competition at the end of March. Open to all club members, the competition aims to give all club players the chance to play in and win a club final by handicapping the better players.

Winter Handicap Tournament

Finals Day Saturday 24th March 2007

Despite putting the finals date back one week to counter the dreadful weather we have had to put up with over recent years, it was probably still the coldest day of the year so far when the finalists gathered for the culmination of this seven-month long tournament.

The Ladies and Men's Singles ran at the same time and hardy supporters muffled up against the cold winds were treated to two fabulous matches to start with. Court five saw Fran Johnson finally beating Jo Rosendale after a gruelling 90 minute long match, the scoreline ending at 11-9. Fran is now on for the triple and will no doubt see her handicap drop through the floor next year! Meanwhile on court four Sam Wright was taking on lightly handicapped Mark Gatt, a newcomer to the club. At sixteen Sam was aiming to be the youngest singles winner on the honours board, but it wasn't to be as Mark held his game together well and finally overcame the young pretender 8-6 by coming up with some brilliant winning shots.

Both Sam and Mark reappeared on court four shortly after to contend the mixed doubles, Sam partnering with Gail Palmer and Mark with another promising newcomer, Rachel Rodd. Sadly Gail injured her elbow soon into the match and while bravely battling on, could do nothing to counter Mark's strong shots and Rachel and Mark became the Mixed Doubles Champions. The club will miss Mark when he returns to his native Malta in the summer.

The Ladies Doubles was playing at the same time, with holders Claire Mitchell and Alison Blay taking on Julie Scott-Browne and Chrissie Eastmond this year. Alison and Claire, having played together for two years now, proved too strong for the new Julie/Chrissie partnership and they regained their crown with a winning scoreline of 8-3.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was the Men's Doubles. Sam Wright appeared for a third time with Owen Wadey and they had the tricky challenge of retaining their title against Steve Whittle, the men's Club Champion, and his partner Abdul Hanid. Not to be owerawed by the experience of their opposition, young Sam and Owen kept their necks ahead by hitting some brilliant winning shots and eventually managed to beat their strong opposition 8-5 after many thrilling rallies.

In giving out the awards the outgoing Captain, Gill Cox, commented that it was the first time she could remember giving a runner's up award to Steve, and that it bodes well for the future of the club that so many young players are breaking through to the top teams at such an early age.

Heartfelt thanks (and deepest sympathies) to those brave enough to face the elements in the umpires' chairs resplendent in all manner of hats, scarves, gloves and overcoats - Russ Wollen, Liam McRory, Chris Brown, Gill Cox and Alison Blay. Last but not least, special mention to all the ladies who provided a fabulous tea and to those who turned out to support the finalists.
 
Gill Cox