The 2019 Corfe Mullen Lawn Tennis Club Finals took place on Saturday, 7th September and all matches were completed by 5pm.
Well done to all the finalists and on behalf of the committee, I would like to thank the kind members who volunteered as umpires or line judges, and to those who came along to spectate, support and help out; without you, the championships would not take place.
Afternoon Tea was provided by your committee – big thanks to them, on everyone’s behalf, it was much appreciated.
With a table-full of trophies to be decided, it was a day of great competition and fine play.
Paul Smith, Chairman
Penny Ruddick beat Clare
6-2, 6-4
Umpire: Paul Smith
“Both ladies started tentatively in this repeat of last year’s final. As the set progressed it was the net play and retrieving of Penny that gave her the edge to take the first set. In the second set Jess began to find her range to the baseline, but Penny still managed to get the returns into play. There were several 20+ shot rallies but in the end Penny prevailed to retain her title – well done both players.”
 Winner: Penny Ruddick |
 Runner-Up: Clare |
James Whitehorn beat Billy McKormick
6-1, 6-0
Umpire: David Reeves
“James won the match 6-1, 6-0. The score would indicate an easy victory for James, however Gary fought hard and lost narrowly in several games. Gary’s backhand shots were strong but James is consistent in his returns and selecting winners. An enjoyable game to Umpire – well done both players.”
 Winner: James Whitehorn |
 Runner-Up: Gary Alford |
Nicky Long & Alison Houlston beat Sarah Tate & Val Jenkins
7-6 (tie break 7-2), 5-7, 1-0 (championship tie-break 10-3)
Umpire: Dev Kerai
“A fiercely contested match which could have gone either way. Nicky and Alison scrapped through the first set which was decided by a tie break with a 7-6 win to Nicky and Alison. The second set was an eye opener for Sarah and Val, who after trailing behind managed to go up a gear to win the set 7-5. A championship tie break decided the outcome with a convincing victory by Nicky and Alison who won 10-3. An absolute pleasure to watch and an honour to empire the match.”
 Winners: Nicky Long & Alison Houlston |
 Runners-Up: Val Jenkins & Sarah Tate |
Paul Smith & Paul Fowell beat Jeremy Fisher & Gary Alford
3-6, 6-4, 1-0 (championship tie-break 10-8)
Umpire: Luke Fowell
“In the first set, the Pauls could not cope with the combination of Gary’s net coverage and Jeremy’s variety of returns at all heights, all finding the court; 6-3 to Gary & Jeremy.
The second set started in the same way with the two Pauls down 2-love. However things were about to change and the Pauls broke back in the 4th game after 3 deuces, before breaking again in the 10th game to take the second set 6-4. They started well in the tie-break, threw in a double-fault and some misses to bring the score to 9-8, before a final passing shot clinched victory”
 Winners: Paul Smith & Paul Fowell |
 Runners-Up: Gary Alford & Jeremy Fisher |