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THE LADIES MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2005 were held at Petworth over the weekend of 18 th – 20th March. This tournament had been held for several years at The Hyde, Bridport and with their fantastic hospitality and generosity, Petworth were determined to make all entrants feel equally at home!
The draw started well (or so we thought)…with 21 entries. However, this was soon reduced with several ladies having to pull out through illness, injury, an incorrect diary check and during the actual tournament, one further injury and sadly a family bereavement. One might question if anyone else was left to play, or as one spectator gently put it… ‘it’s a bit like The Antiques Road Show!’
I would like to point out that Antiques we may be, but we still see ourselves as the graceful, youthful, energetic and enthusiastic players we have always been!
All matches were hard fought and played in the best spirit of the game. Excellent shots admired and applauded by both spectators and opponents alike. One of the closest early rounds played by Sarah McGivern versus Katie Weston, going to three tough sets, wherein Katie admitted to having ‘run out of puff’ during the third set having won the first 6/1. …back to the gym Katie!
Patsy Danby played a particularly impressive match to go through to the ¼’s, beating Pam Tomalin. Pam not as feisty as usual, possibly needing that glass of wine she had given up for lent!
The two Carolyns, Nicolls and Armstrong-Smith battled out the 2 nd ¼ final with much to CAS’s embarrassment, whilst trying to win a chase 2, her dog in a very timely and nonchalant manner, walked onto the court. ‘Time’ was called just as the ball bounced out to chase three and a loss! Grateful for the second chance to win, the point was replayed – and still lost.
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Sadly Clare Forsyth had to retire during the 1st semi, due to a damaged calf, leaving Jill Newby to play in the final against Caroline Gilmore. What an excellent match this was. Despite the final score being 6/1 6/2, this in no way reflected the closeness of the match with many games going to deuce. Both players played the most awesome ground strokes, continuously improving their chases, laying to ½, 1 and 2 yards from volleys, cuts and tough service receipts, impressive stuff! Ultimately Jill’s consistency won the day, with several long rests, Jill’s continued chasing down of the ball and accurate volleying took it’s toll on Caroline, who despite fighting for every point, lacked that winning edge.
The plate consisted of a handicap doubles and was played in a round robin format. Pamala Tomalin playing with Sarah McGivern being the overall victors.
On the social front, H.T. White & Co, wine suppliers based in Eastbourne, very kindly donated sufficient wine for the tournament duration. This had the desired effect of spurring the ladies on in moments of need! An informal dinner was held at the local pub with many of the Petworth hosts and members coming along to support and enjoy the evening. Lunches on Saturday and Sunday became a very social affair and it was suggested that ‘if we hadn’t partied enough?’ – we ‘antiques’ are good at partying, then next year we should organise a cocktail party for the Friday night. There’s a thought….
Carolyn Armstrong-Smith |
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