National Fathers & Sons Tournament 2017
National Fathers & Sons Handicap
We had the biggest draw for many years with many new pairings playing this year which was fantastic to see. The Tennis in the group stages was very competitve with two particular stand outs in the pairings of Simon & Max Wetton (dropping only 2 games in 4 matches) and Chris and Rhys Harland (dropping only 6).
In the first semi-final Bob & Ben Compton took on the Seacout pair of Simon & William Flynn. Both pairs had come through as runners up in their respective groups and had been gaining momentum. The Comptons made a strong start but the Flynns made a comeback and secured their victory 6/3.
In the second semi the two "tournament bandits" met each other with the Wettons playing the Harlands. This was another very close match with the Wettons digging deep to stay in the game. However they were always playing catch up and were unable to get ahead of the Harlands who won 6/4.
The Simon & William Flynn and Chris & Rhys Harland match was a fantastic finale to a brilliant tournament. The match started evenly with both pairs exchanging games but it was the Harlands who had the first match point. The Flynns stayed very calm saving a total of 8 match points to level the match 5-5 40 all and eventually 6/5 win.
The mighty Flynns
National Father & Sons Championship
The top four entries to the National Father and Sons tournament qualify for the championship. The format was a straight knock out and consisted of two semis and a final, playing off level and 1 set to 8.
In the first match Simon & Robert Shenkman played Mark & Josh McMurragh. The McMurrugh's played a hard hitting game but with a handicap difference of 18 points, the Shenkmans looked in control throughout - winning 8/1.
The second semi was a lot closer on paper with Christopher and Anthony Wilson playing Robert and George Peel. The Wilsons had been on great form throughout the morning and had already beaten the Peels off handicap howver in the championship the Peels had found their feet and managed to keep the ball just out of the reach of Christopher and forced some racket errors from Anthony - winning 8/2.
The final between the Peels and the Shenkmans started a little tentatively with the Peels making quite a few errors but at 3/0 down they settled and provided
a very entertaining final and a great showcase of Tennis. The match did however follow the seedings and Simon & Robert Shenkman won the Championship
8/1.
Thank you to everyone who played in the tournament and made the weekend such a success. We look forward to welcoming you back to Leamington next year.