Anila McDonald won all three of her finals at Steep Lawn Tennis Club’s Championship finals day.
After 127 entries in this year’s championship battled through the elimination rounds, the finalists enjoyed dry conditions on finals day.
Starting the day were the doubles matches with fast, tactical play that made for exciting watching. Ladies’ pair Anila McDonald and Cathy Robinson were victorious, never letting up the pressure on Alice Head and Henrietta Backhouse. Rob Reynolds and Philippe Mougin narrowly defeated challengers Scott James and Barry Carter after a first set tie break.
Anila McDonald won the ladies’ singles trophy after a well-fought match against Cath Lowe, while Barry Carter beat Jon Graham to take the men’s singles title.
The juniors played in under-ten and over-ten singles finals. Kit Brunner and Charlie Oatley came away with trophies and new Diadem rackets as a reward for their performances against runners-up Eliot Jenkins and Tom Dillon.
Kieran Roby was also awarded a special prize by head coach Liam Vacher, for being the most improved junior player this year.
Bringing the day to a close was the much-anticipated mixed doubles – the most popular tournament category. Last year’s champions Robin Shaw and Anila McDonald successfully defended their title against Finn Bridger and Cathy Robinson in two close sets – keeping the crowd on their toes until the last shot.
The club thanked everyone who supported this year’s championship – especially tournament secretary Jen Pigden and the umpires.
Julie Gray