19/12/2006

This years Annual Tournament took place at the courts in Arbirlot Road. 72 competitors took part in a total of 16 events. The weather throughout the week had been fine – with no stoppages due to rain for the first time in several years. The finals of all 16 events took place on Sunday.

The Gents Open Singles Final was fought out between the top two seeds – defending champion Alan Green and second seed Graham Crabb. Alan had defeated Jonny O’Mara fairly comfortably in what could have been a tricky semi final whilst Graham booked his place in the final with a nervy victory against Ronnie Edwards. The final itself was played in fairly windy conditions. This acted as a bit of a leveller for both players. Alan took control in the first set taking an early 3-1 lead. He never really looked back from this and served out the first set by 6-3. In the second set Graham made more of a game of it and Alan had to remain cool – saving two set points – before taking the set in to a tiebreak. Alan controlled the tiebreak finally winning by 7-3 thus securing the match and his second Gents singles title.

In the Gents Singles Plate final, Michael Douglas defeated the much improved Brian Clarke in straight sets.

The Ladies Singles final saw defending champion, Jennifer Green up against 3rd seed Angela Crabb. Angela was to prove no match for Jennifer who was far too strong – easily taking her second title for the loss of only one game. This was Jennifer’s second ladies singles title and at the age of 14 she is a certainty to add to that tally in future years.

The Gents Over 35s Singles Final saw top seed and defending champion Alistair Duncan face second seed Graham Crabb. This match turned in to a bit of an epic tussle – lasting over two hours – with Alistair finally winning 6-3 in the final set

The Ladies Over 35s singles final was between Angela Crabb and Carolyn McKay. Angela strolled away with the first set by 6-1 but then Carolyn managed to work her way in to the game. As a result Carolyn took the second set which set up a dramatic final set. Angela saved match points at 5-4 down in the final set before coming out on top by 8-6. This was Angela’s first over 35 success.

The Gents Handicap singles final was between Michael Douglas and Stevie Bell. The pair had met in the Gents Plate earlier in the week and Michael had been the winner after two close sets. In the handicap final, however, Stevie was given quite a big advantage. Although it was a close fought contest the handicap was to prove just too much for Michael and Stevie ran out the winner in straight sets.

The Ladies Handicap Singles final was between the ever improving Ellen Watson and Gail Curran. This was a scratch match which Ellen quickly too control of and never looked back. This was a decisive straight sets victory for Ellen and she can be sure to have a less favourable handicap for next year’s event.

The Boys Under 16 final saw top seed and hot favourite against the third seed Neil Moffat. Although Neil tried very hard he was no match for Alan who, at this point, already had the Gents Singles title under his belt. Alan comfortably closed out the match in straight sets for what was has 5th Under 16’s title.

The Boys Under 16 Plate final was one by David Fagan who defeated Chris O’Mara in straight sets.

The Girls Under 16 final was played out between top seed Jennifer Green and Ellen Watson. Jennifer, as expected, was always in control of this match winning comfortably in straight sets. This was 14 year old Jennifer’s 4th Under 16 title.

In the Under 13’s Final Ellen Watson played Nicky Sim. Both players had played extremely well throughout the week. Ellen was to prove just too strong for Nicky in the final itself winning 6-2,6-1.

In the under 10’s event – after fighting their way through the group stages – Graeme Dingwall defeated Erin Moir 6-4,6-1.

The Gents Handicap Doubles final saw Handicap Singles finalists, Michael Douglas and Stevie Bell , pair up against Michael Shore and David Wood. Both pairings had won through the earlier rounds without too much trouble. In the final Michael and Stevie, despite the handicap, were to prove too steady for their opponents eventually winning in two hard fought straight sets.

The Ladies Handicap Doubles was won by Alison Moir and Jane O’Mara. They defeated Morag Clarke and Maria Woolfries in the final.

The Mixed Doubles final saw Mal Adam and Maria Woolfries up against Dave O’ Mara and Angela Crabb. Mal and Maria played some good consistent tennis which was enough to edge out their opponents in just under an hour.

The popular Adult and Child event was won by Morag Clarke and Nicky Sim who – in fading light – defeated David Wood and Danny Farquharson 9-5.

The most promising beginner – boy – was Graeme Dingwall, runner up Duncan Pattullo The most promising beginner – girl – was Erin Moir, runner up Erin Stewart

The Wooden Spoon was won by Ronnie Edwards!

A presentation was made to the members of the junior team who, earlier in the season, had won the Junior Super League for only the second time in the clubs history.

The prizes were presented on Sunday evening by club stalwart Len Jukes.