Rain failed to dampen spirits at Ramsbury Tennis Club’s Finals Day with a packed schedule of matches across every category.
Ramsbury’s artificial clay courts once again stood up well to the wet conditions, remaining playable throughout.
Fifteen-year-old Andrew Luo became the first junior in the club’s 53-year history to win three senior titles on the same day.
Andrew’s historic treble began in the men’s singles against 17-year-old Daniel Harrington, who provided a far sterner test than Andrew’s dominant route to the final had suggested.
The opening set was locked at 2-2 before Andrew hit his stride. He then reeled off four straight games to take it to 6-2 before continuing his run into the second set.
Daniel refused to yield, forcing long and demanding exchanges. One grueling game went to 10 deuces. But Andrew held his nerve to complete a convincing 6-2, 6-1 victory.
Title number two came in the mixed doubles, where Andrew partnered Annabel Mackay against Nick Jephson and Alison Seaton. Andrew and Annabel made a flying start, racing through the opening set 6-0. Nick and Alison responded strongly in the second but Andrew and Annabel kept their composure to win 6-3 and claim the title.
Andrew completed his treble in the men’s doubles, partnering his former singles opponent Daniel Harrington against seasoned campaigners Jon Page and Jeremy Wray.
The teenagers combined aggressive shot-making with impressive court coverage. They swept to a 6-1, 6-0 victory, completing Andrew’s treble and giving Daniel his first Ramsbury title.
Meanwhile, 13-year-old Imogen Fisher produced a dazzling display in the ladies’ singles final against sisters Clare Allman and Jane McGovern. Imogen seized control from the first point and was rarely troubled, producing a clinical 6-0, 6-0 victory. Her performance suggested there is plenty more to come.
Imogen also reached the ladies’ doubles final alongside 17-year-old Anya Holdsworth. Waiting for them were sisters Clare Allman and Jane McGovern, who took the first set 6-1.
Anya and Imogen raised their level in the second, but the more experienced sisters held firm to win 6-3 and take the title.
In plate competitions:
- Men’s Singles: Rowan Hathaway beat Tony Luo 6-2, 6-1
- Ladies’ Singles: Milly Walsh beat Sarah Seaman 3-6, 6-3, 10-5
- Mixed Doubles: Dave Smith and Diana Christie beat Tim and Jacqy McQue 6-2, 6-4
- Men’s Doubles: Tom Bartram and Max Butterworth beat Kevin Jauncey and Simon Smith 6-2, 6-3
- Ladies’ Doubles: Joy Wilson and Majella Burkin beat Annabel Mackay and Anna Hollick 4-6, 6-3, 10-7
The previous day, 17 adult and junior pairs competed in the inaugural Roger Henry Doubles Tournament. The winners were Ian Cresswell and his 11-year-old son Heston.
Kate Clark and her team of committee volunteers managed the catering which included a BBQ.
Ian Smith ran the bar while Ted Osmond provided live saxophone music.
President Ethel Hutchings presented the trophies.
The tournament organiser was Neil Little, assisted by club secretary Elizabeth Snelling.
Words and photos by Christopher Snelling
