Tennis Tournaments and Leagues

On Saturday June 21st the finals of the Summer tennis tournament were held. For me it was a day of 3 main highlights.

Firstly, it was a day when the new generation of top club players were deservedly crowned. Most honours were awarded to the new Queen of Sheen, Ali Barker. Ali had a truly amazing day and played no less than 9 hard fought sets in winning 3 titles. Charlie Pisker aged 14 also ‘came of age’ and won 2 titles, going one better than a previous victory in the men’s doubles.

The second of my highlights were the spectators. What a crowd!! It was really great to see so many members, plus friends and family of the finalists enjoying the spectacle and sharing in the pain and ecstasy as their favourite players counter punched their way to either victory or defeat. Despite the occasional rain break, crowd enthusiasm and numbers rarely dipped during the day and those arriving for drinks at 6.30 were able to watch an unexpected set of competition in the sunshine before the mixed doubles final finished.

My third highlight was the celebration BarBQ. The club house tables groaned under the weight of tasty salads, sausages, burgers and calorific puddings. What a feast everyone had, especially those (who shall remain nameless) who went back for 2nd or even 3rd helpings! Special thanks are due to all those who masterminded and contributed to producing such a delicious meal and to the tournament organiser in chief, Caroline Barker, who ensured the tournament was completed efficiently and on time.

As for the individual matches, Ali Barker successfully defended her title in the ladies singles in a marathon match against Wendy Scalinger. Both players ‘gave their all’ in a tough 3 set contest of extended rallies with a mix of blistering ground strokes and safety play. Ali’s other success, in partnership with Ed Bowen, was in a nail biting mixed doubles against Martin Prowse and Caroline Barker. Special congratulations to Ed who wins his first Sheen title.

The ladies doubles was also a memorable and closely contested match. The Mother and Daughter team of Caroline and Ali Barker managed to edge ahead in the 3rd set against Alison Goodbrand and Mikaela Parker before lifting the title for the 1st time. Special congratulations to Caroline who, like Ed, won a 1st title. Both players no doubt look forward to seeing their names on the honours board.

Charlie Pisker at 14 years of age is one of the youngest winners of the men’s singles. His victory against the experienced and determined Giles Wake was very well deserved. The men’s doubles champions, like the ladies doubles, was also a family affair. Father and Son team Andrew and Charlie Pisker saw off the rival and well established partnership of Oli Knutton and John Walker. Despite a gritty and athletic performance by John and Oli, the superior consistency and creativity of the Pisker pairing won through in straight sets.