Once again we had a fantastic finals day. Cut out and keep special here……

Ladies Singles

The Ladies singles proved to be an epic encounter. The smart money was on 2 time champ Voldemort* – ‘She who must not be named’ but we shouldn’t have written off our very own Hermione and the “anti slice’ spell that she had cast.

Voldemort got off to the ideal start and tucked away the 1st set 6-3 but Cath bounced back very well to take the 2nd set 6-2 and set up a decider. Organiser Mclatchie was suddenly going to be behind schedule as this epic showed no sign of finishing anytime soon. Voldemort got a strangle hold in the decider though and although many long rallies ensued it was the two time champ who prevailed 6-2 to become a three time champ.

*Voldemort is not used in a derogatory fashion. Everyone loves a mystery so this one will remain….

Gents Singles

Clash of the Titans this one. Organiser Mclatchie ordered in two tubes of balls for this one in case Max or Jamie burst them with their heavy hitting. As it turns out the favourite for the title prevailed. Big J has been the best player this year and cometh the hour cometh the man. He eased through 6-3 6-2 in a game noted for some of the very heavy groundstrokes both players are known for.

It’s many years since Jamie last won the Gents Championship and he’ll be a hard guy to unseat in future years. We welcome the chase…..

Ladies Doubles

Voldemort was featuring again here teamed up with ‘The Turkinator’ Carolyn to try and see off the challenge of Gwen Irving and Caroline Mcdaid who herself was in two finals.

Much to Organiser Mclatchie’s chagrin after his pal Jamie had done him a solid with a straight sets victory this epic encounter saw him facing the prospect of having to get £1 each from the next finalists for floodlights……..

She who must not be named and The Turkinator took the first set 7-5 coming back from 2-5 down. Caroline & Gwen are made of stern stuff though and tucked away the 2nd set to take us into a decider.

It was to no avail though as the nameless one and Carolyn took the final set to become champs.

Gents Doubles

Now we don’t like to single out individual stories within our great wee club but Gazza Glen was in his 5th final without ever tasting victory. Could this be his day? His partner Max was out to make sure his day ended with at least one winners medal to show from his efforts and could Big J and his partner Andrew Duncan , making his finals day debut, ruin their dreams of victory?

The answer was no they couldn’t. 2 very close sets but Gazza got his victory and Max made sure he was a Champion on the day. A strong showing by Andrew & Jamie against a battle hardened partnership.

Mixed Doubles

When we finally got to the last final the floodlights were blazing down, the skies were dark and heavy, the crowd were dark and heavy with cake but looking forward to a competitive encounter and thats exactly what they got….

Cazza McD in her 2nd final of the day partnering Stevie against Tracy and Harry who had survived an epic in the semi final to book their berth on the biggest day in the club calendar.

The first set was very close but a crucial break at 3-3 which Stevie & Cazza consolidated with a hold saw them run out 6-3 winners and they rode the wave of momentum to secure the 2nd set and the championship.

A very good game with a number of long rallies kept the crowd enthralled and was a fitting end to the day.

The presentations then took place with two special awards being made. Firstly to Sara Sullivan for the strides she has made with her game this year in the now much anticipated ‘Most Improved Player’ award and secondly to Rob Irving the honour of Life Membership for his tireless work behind the scenes for the club not just for years but for decades.

Well done to both.

Also our thanks to Organiser Euan, Elaine and all the volunteers who helped make the day a bit special for the finalists.

See you all at the Ceilidh in November.