Leamington Doubles Report and Photos 2012
Leamington Handicap Doubles
September 15th and 16th, 2012 at Leamington Tennis Court Club
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Go to Leamington Doubles Results 2012
Many thanks to Tim Tomalin for taking all these photos for us
Match Report
There was only one really close match in the Round Robins but the final positions were very close and took some working out! We didn't have to resort to "who beat who" but the first three positions had to be decided on games for and against as the three top pairs had all won four of their matches.
The first semi-final was between Hazel Dunn and Sarah McGivern (who came top of the Round Robin group) and Pam Tomalin and Janet Peach (who came fourth). Hazel and Sarah had won their previous match 8-2, but Janet upped her game considerably, Sarah became very tense (hardly able to serve and making silly decisions about what shots to play) and Pam and Janet won this time 8-6. It was a similar story in the other semi: Candida Nicholls and Trish Morris (third place) had won 8-5 first time round against Lucy Davies and Rebecca Kashti (second place) but this time were beaten 8-5.
So to the final. Lucy was playing a very measured and competitive match, ably supported by Rebecca who, on the evidence of her play this weekend, deserves that her handicap be considerably reduced. Pam and Janet were unable to counter the steady onslaught and Lucy and Rebecca ran out with an 8-2 win.
The play all went smoothly, but the weekend wasn't without drama. A tray of glasses dropped caused a point to be replayed and, even more dramatically, a window in the bar was smashed with the glass flying right across the room and out into the hall - a long way as those of you who know the court can confirm. Luckily, the ladies were all up near the bar (yes - unusual I know, but true) and no-one was hurt. The culprit ran off but was caught by Marc and some passers-by and questioned by police. Apparently it was an accident, a careless kick of a football, but damaging nonetheless.
The weekend was greatly enhanced by the excellent and patient marking from Kevin and Marc and the lovely dinner, held at the club, that Charlotte cooked for us. We were very pleased that Guy Stanton, the Leamington Chairman came to watch the Final and to present the prizes and he and the Leamington members were thanked for letting us take over their court for most of the weekend.
Many thanks of course to Carolyn Armstrong-Smith for the sponsorship from Wineflow which was very much appreciated.
Sarah McGivern
The first semi-final was between Hazel Dunn and Sarah McGivern (who came top of the Round Robin group) and Pam Tomalin and Janet Peach (who came fourth). Hazel and Sarah had won their previous match 8-2, but Janet upped her game considerably, Sarah became very tense (hardly able to serve and making silly decisions about what shots to play) and Pam and Janet won this time 8-6. It was a similar story in the other semi: Candida Nicholls and Trish Morris (third place) had won 8-5 first time round against Lucy Davies and Rebecca Kashti (second place) but this time were beaten 8-5.
So to the final. Lucy was playing a very measured and competitive match, ably supported by Rebecca who, on the evidence of her play this weekend, deserves that her handicap be considerably reduced. Pam and Janet were unable to counter the steady onslaught and Lucy and Rebecca ran out with an 8-2 win.
The play all went smoothly, but the weekend wasn't without drama. A tray of glasses dropped caused a point to be replayed and, even more dramatically, a window in the bar was smashed with the glass flying right across the room and out into the hall - a long way as those of you who know the court can confirm. Luckily, the ladies were all up near the bar (yes - unusual I know, but true) and no-one was hurt. The culprit ran off but was caught by Marc and some passers-by and questioned by police. Apparently it was an accident, a careless kick of a football, but damaging nonetheless.
The weekend was greatly enhanced by the excellent and patient marking from Kevin and Marc and the lovely dinner, held at the club, that Charlotte cooked for us. We were very pleased that Guy Stanton, the Leamington Chairman came to watch the Final and to present the prizes and he and the Leamington members were thanked for letting us take over their court for most of the weekend.
Many thanks of course to Carolyn Armstrong-Smith for the sponsorship from Wineflow which was very much appreciated.
Sarah McGivern
ODE TO LEAMINGTON
by Jeannie Pigott
'Twas a bright and fabulous sunny day
And 12 LRTA ladies came out to play
At the wonderful Leamington for a tournament of doubles
With plenty of tennis we soon forgot our troubles
Now some played really exceptionally well
And others, dare I say it, not so swell
But by Saturday evening it did not matter
Delicious dinner was served and boy did we natter
Sunday's semis provided huge excitement from the dedans court side
Great tennis was played with only the occasional serve wide
The final eight were Pam, Janet, Sarah and Hazel Dunn
Candida, Trish, Lucy and Rebecca, the latter were victorious and won
The prizes were presented by Guy Stanton, Chairman of the Club
Our thanks go to Charlotte for lots of lovely grub
Thanks also to Kevin and Marc for marking right to the end
Not forgetting our Sarah for a successful weekend
Jeannie Pigott
(AKA Coco)