TENNIS — Fort Matilda Hold Annual Handicap Doubles Tournament

FORT Matilda Tennis Club, Greenock held its Jimmy Mitchell Handicap Doubles Tournament.

There was a good turnout for the competition, the weather staying warm and dry. Teams were picked out of the hat and handicaps were given on couples’ ability. The format was a round-robin, with the winners going through to the semi-final. A play-off was needed for the last semi-final place.

Frank McKenna/Marlene Riekie and Raymond Norris/Joan McKillop narrowly missed out on a place. Alan Clark, serving underhand because of an injury, and his partner Adrienne Egan, played a steady game to win against Eleanor Helney and Francesca Lowrie.

In the other semi-final, Dylan Crawford was playing strong tennis and plenty of winners and, partnered with Kevin Clark, won against Chris Cullen and Marianne Stetz.

The final was first to five games with sudden death at 40-40, and looked like it was all over when Dylan and Kevin were 4-2 up, but the determination and steady play of Alan and Adrienne saw the game go to 4-4. It was all down to Dylan holding his serve.

All four players held their nerve and played some great shots, and it got to 40-40 and sudden death for the match. After some great play by Dylan and Kevin, they just lost out to the winners Alan and Adrienne on that final point.

The winners were presented with their cups and the players enjoyed afternoon tea at the courts.

There were also a couple of spot prizes for best shot and player of the day. Marlene Riekie played a superb drop shot to take the first game. She was awarded winner, best shot.

Player of the day was new member Oyinkan Durowoju who played some wonderful ground strokes.

The club thanks everyone who took part and made it such an enjoyable day, Lesley Clark for organising afternoon tea and prizes, and Susan Soutar for doing the handicaps and organising play.