Fine weather, lots of enthusiastic spectators, very good umpiring, constant flow of refreshments, 23 finals, and above all some excellent tennis, – those were the ingredients of a memorable Medstead Tennis Club finals day.
Play started at 8-30 am and finished at 8 pm under floodlights. In between, 23 finals were played in a very sporting manner, the highlight of which was James Blatchford, a 16-year-old, defeating Garth Bearman, the defending men's singles champion, in three close sets.
Paul Raymont also had a great day, winning four events: the U/12 singles and doubles and repeating that in the U/14s.
The trophies were presented by Robert Jamieson and an excellent barbecue was provided by Wylda and Brian Holland.
Medstead finals results: Novice Boys – Edward Frost; r/u. Michael Stubley. U/10 Girls – Anne Fletcher; r/u, Sophie McCubbin. U/10 Boys – Richard Marlow; r/u, Lewis Wooding. U/12 Girls – Paul Raymont; r/u, Richard Marlow. U/12 Girls' Doubles – Charlotte Fletcher & Amy Saunders; r/u, Anne Fletcher & Sophie McCubbin. U/12 Boys's Doubles – Richard Marlow & Paul Raymont; r/u, Russell North & Simon Minns. U/14 Girls – Katie Wooding; r/u, Amy Saunders. U/14 Boys – Paul Raymont; r/u, Thomas Bushby. U/14 Boys' Doubles – Paul Raymont & Thomas Bushby; r/u, Ben Gregory & Morgan Richardson. U/18 Girls – Charlotte Bass; r/u, Katie Richardson. U/18 Boys – James Blatchford; r/u, Jonathon Slater. U/18 Girls' Doubles – Charlotte Bass & Claire Bass; r/u, Rosanna Bowyer & Jessica Prior. U/18 Boys' Doubles – Jack Little & Ben Smith; r/u, Jonathon Slater & Daniel Forsyth. Ladies – Helen Pridmore; r/u, Gillian Langridge. Men's – James Blatchford; r/u, Garth Bearman. Ladies' Doubles – Lesley Sims & Gillian Langridge; r/u, Helen Pridmore & Rachel McDonnell. Men's Doubles – James Blatchford & Garth Bearman; r/u, David Robinson & Steve May. Mixed Doubles – Susan Marlow & John Marlow; r/u, Steve May & Maureen Smith. Veterans' Mixed – Gillian Langridge & David Langridge; r/u, Chris Trotter & Scilla Winchester. Married Couples – Gillian Langridge & David Langridge; r/u, Mike Wooding & Sheila Wooding; Ladies' Morning Cup – Linda Frost & Sarah Bowyer; r/u, Kath Fox & Lynn Tilley. Ladies' Plate – Carolyn Burchell; r/u, Angela Gregory.