The second edition of the revived Berkshire Challenge Cup took place this week - and the final on Sunday last rivalled anything the Olympic tennis could offer . With the beautifully crafted solid silver cup up for grabs, youth and experience stared it down, once again – in a shootout to savour. We were treated to yet another great final under azure skies.
George Elawure and 2015 champion James McKinnon were no strangers to each other – having competed for the inaugural edition - a classic tournament, resurrected to life and now thriving.
In the sweltering heat of the day, it was James that raced out of the blocks, and it wasn’t too long before a 3-0 lead peered out from the glossy scoreboard. George was coming to terms with his opponent’s hot start, his own timing and a matter of getting his wheels into action. The first set came and went and it was James who had pocketed it 6-1. The match really got going very early in the second set. The beauty of the rallies, the shotmaking and handskills from both players made for a beguiling match-up. On the one side, high tempo, raging topspin and fluid movement from the 24 year old James, and the elegance and grace that we’ve come to expect of 42 year old George. Both players so very technically gifted and their court craft and mesmerising variety was there for all to see. If the first set was the hors d’oeuvre then the 2nd set truly delivered a main course to savour - both players playing well together, made for an amazing set of tennis. The array of dazzling shots, power, and shotmaking was of the highest possible quality. Lets not forget the triple ‘V’ either – incredible variety, ‘text book’ volleying and plenty of va-va-voom around the court,as both players raced to defend and attack in equal measure. George upped his tempo and intensity in the second to take on James and try to wrest control of the set and snaffled a break mid-set. With some pinpoint serving and precision forehands, he duly closed out a tight 2nd set 6-4. Just what the crowd wanted - cue a race to the bar for more refreshments.
In the 3rd set – both players held comfortably early on, and a passage of play yielded a break point for George to take the lead for the first time. This, in many ways, was the alarm to spur James on, as the threat to his crown was live and dangerous. He saved the break point and put the pressure on his opponent to match his intensity in the 3rd set. He began to break George down and was able stretch his lead with a double break of serve. This was the platform for him to ‘go for his shots’ and make a beeline for the finish.
A spellbinding match came to a close with James winning 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 – and the real beauty was the acknowledgement by both players of being in a great match and appreciative each others’shots in the heat of battle, and the warm handshake at the end. The real winners were the spectators who were both vocal and supportive of each player.
In the earlier Consolation final, we equally had a great match between Sam Wallen-Russell and Paul O’Mahony. Although Paulo had a great start by breaking Sam in the opening game, it was merely to trigger a Saharan sandstorm (or was it a hurricane ? ) that saw Paul playing both squash and tennis every other shot . Sam set about pounding the corners with heavily topspun shots and no shortage of winners as Paulo faced a barrage from Sam and no let up in sight. Even now Paulo gives thanks to K-Swiss for the quality of his soles – he also had some good passages of play and winners too – just less, and who’s counting ?. It was also a very nice final, played in a good spirit and tempo - the spectators got their money’s worth #freeentry
We are very appreciative of Andy Speight primarily for his organisation and support for running the whole tournament, ably assisted by Andy Fryatt (Club Captain extraordinaire) and Pete Blyth (Superman), Rachel Speight (Ladies Captain) and Lesley Walton for BBQ’ing/Salads/Desserts. Also thanks to Adam Sebestyen and John Dixon for the PR support and sponsorship work. And others who helped out too (Nigel and Andy F for umpiring the Main Draw and Conso finals respectively). THANKS ALL !!
A very special thanks to our sponsors Chocoholics, Loddon Brewery and Tutts Clump Cider who provided some very nice artisan ciders, ales and chocs throughout the week for both competitors and spectators alike. Suffice to say – we loved the flavours and aromas !
Suffice to say that we all had a GREAT time after when the BBQ was served up on both Semi finals and Finals day - the peppercorn burgers went down very well – and created a bit of action as it turned out ! With so much food to eat, it was really like going to 5 sets. For two days in a row, no-one was able to go the distance, I can say that now. Lightweights – you need to train harder !
Paul O’Mahony