In the warmth of a mid-September sun, Lowlands Tennis Club held its annual Finals Day. There were ten finals in total and over 160 people turned out to watch some superb tennis. This year there were a number of innovations - the "food village" not only supplied the traditional tea and cakes as well as a BBQ, but for the first year running there was an Asian vegetarian option which soon sold out. Additionally, the match results were tweeted live so that the Lowlands diaspora could follow all the action.
There was a raffle that had first class prizes such as a 4* weekend at a choice of hotels and the proceeds of over £300 from both the raffle and the catering were donated to Lowlands "house" charity - Michael Sobell Hospice.
This year the Men's Singles trophy was won by Yura Bolotov, which is the fourth year running that a different name has appeared on the Men's Singles trophy, showing just how strong the competition at the club is at present.
Club Captain Kevin Tye said, "Not only were we blessed with the good weather and some fantastic tennis but I was really pleased that so many spectators came to support the finalists; it was a record turnout. But the most important thing for me was the number of younger members who contributed both ideas and time to make this our most successful Finals Day ever"
The results:
Men's Singles: Yura Bolotov beat Rob Gradwell
Ladies Singles: Nic Gunby beat Angelica Paladini Jennings
Men's Doubles: Yura Bolotov and Mick Hooker beat Martin Lewis and Pete Rutland
Ladies Doubles: Nic Gunby and Caroline Wynn beat Nicky Bean and Jane Tweedie
Mixed Doubles: Nic Gunby and Pete Rutland beat Martin Lewis and Jutikan Kongaunruan
U18 Singles: George Watts beat Jack Hilton
Mens Vets Singles: Phil Lewis beat Mike Askew
Mens Vets Doubles: Chris Milton and Kevin Doke beat Phil Lewis and Mike Askew
Ladies Vets Doubles: Jane Tweedie and Nicky Bean beat Patricia Rayner and Vim Ferrand
Mixed Vets Doubles: Chris Milton and Patricia Cava beat Mike Askew and Patricia Rayner
Club Chairman Pat Salisbury commented, "This was a really fun family day, with something for everybody and I am so pleased that we have raised over £300 for Michael Sobell Hospice; this day will live long in the memory"
Kevin Tye
Software Account Manager