Men’s singles

Toby Pallet beat Harrison Walden

 

Ladies’ singles

Joanna Levitt beat Danielle Hayter

 

Men’s doubles

Andrew Wright and Russell  Smith beat Mark Love and Harrison Walden

 

Ladies’ doubles

Katherine Willis and Sue Walkden beat Amy and Jill Farrin

 

Mixed doubles

Joanna Levitt and Alastair Horsford beat Amy Farrin and Russell Smith

 

Plate - Ladies’ Singles

Josephine Ghodhbani beat Stephanie Todd

 

Plate - Men’s doubles

Ian Livermore and Ben Fullard beat Ian McDonald and Robbie Watt

 

Plate - Mixed doubles

Carolyn Backway and Roman Shapiro beat Ray and Chere Palmer

 

 

 

   

  2011 Finals Day

Purley Bury Tennis Club 2011 Centenary Finals Day

by Josephine Ghodhbani

 

The Purley Bury centenary finals day took place on Saturday 9th July, the culmination of many tournament matches which had been played over two months. The final line- up was: Harrison Walden and Toby Pallet for the men’s singles title; Danielle Hayter and Joanna Levitt for the ladies’ singles title; Mark Love and Harrison Walden v Andy Wright and Russell Smith for the men’s doubles; Amy Farrin (now Love!) and Jill Farrin v Katherine Willis and Sue Walkden for the ladies’doubles; Amy Farrin and Russell Smith v Joanna Levitt and Alastair Horsford for the mixed doubles.

 

There was plenty of great tennis to watch and the many members who came down to support the players were not disappointed. The singles matches were played first. Harrison, last year’s winner, put up a good defence of the title. It was an exciting three set game but Toby, the 2009 winner, was in top form and won the match 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

 

Joanna, a winner last year also, retained her title for the ladies, beating Danielle 6-4, 6-1. Harrison managed a short rest before pairing up with Mark for the men’s doubles. However it was Andy and Russell who took the first close set 7-5 and went on to win the second 6-2. Amy and Jill, previous holders of the ladies’ doubles title were beaten 6-3, 6-4 by Katherine and Sue. Amy, Russell and Joanna all played their second match of the day in the mixed doubles. However it was Joanna who celebrated a consecutive victory as she and Alastair won in straight sets
6-0, 6-2.

 

The plate competition gives those contestants who crash out in the first round (and some of us crashed very hard indeed!!) an opportunity to go on and play further tournament matches and a shot at the title for the lower tier of the tournament. Only two of the plate matches could be played this year due to the unavailability of some of the players. The ladies singles match was played between Stephanie Todd and Josephine Ghodhbani. And the winner was…me!! (6-3,6-4). Ian Livermore, who had been warming up in the bar (behind it!) and Ben Fullard beat Ian Macdonald and Robbie Watt 6-1, 6-4. The mixed doubles plate match was played at a later date and the winners were Carolyn Backway and Roman Shapiro. They beat Ray and Chere Palmer 6-3, 6-2.

 

Congratulations to all the winners and runners up.

 

The committee put in hard work to ensure that the day was enjoyable for all. The hedges were trimmed, the nets were new and the umpires’ chairs were dusted down. June, John and Jenny served the barbeque; Ian and Clive kept the drinks flowing; Matt and Sarah captured the day on camera. And many thanks to all the members who donated delicious home made cakes (and awesome scones!!) for tea.

 

The day drew to a close with the prize giving around 7pm. Chairman Alan Browne and tournament organiser John Lowe presented the trophies.

 

It was a great day and the weather remained largely fine, with only a light shower in the morning which failed to dampen spirits. Whether you end up playing in the final or not, the whole process of entering the tournament, from scribbling your name down on a piece of paper in April, to organising and reorganising the matches, the winning tears and the losing laughter….It is all good fun, a great opportunity to meet other members and test your tennis in a more competitive environment.