* Category H Open Championship (Level Singles for Handicaps 70+) 2025

The tournament was played in fine spirit with a fantastic camaraderie among the players. There were 18 entrants from all over the country with differing styles and strategies which made it very interesting to watch.

The Grade 2 Final (75 +) was contested by Katy Doy (RTC) against Annabel Acheson-Gray (Wellington). Annabel got off to a blistering start playing with excellent accuracy and executing powerful volleys throughout the first set to take a commanding lead 6/1. The second set was a tighter affair with Katy showing great fighting spirit to share games with Annabel. At 3 games all it could have easily gone to a deciding set, however Annabel regained control of the match with tight serving and some more excellent shot making to take the set 6/3 and the match.

In the Grade 1 Final (70 - 74) Gavin Yeats (MCC) took on Sarah Lambie (RTC/Holyport). This was and epic match which extended well over 2 hours of play - the crowd were enthralled. Sarah had already played a mammoth match in her semi final beating a very game Ian Calvert (Leamington) 6/5 in the deciding set. Could she do it again? The players exhibited very differing styles with Gavin displaying fine athleticism and strong groundstrokes and Sarah showing deft touches and superb placement. There was nothing to separate them with the first 2 sets being shared 6/5 5/6.

On to the decider it was Gavin who begun strongly taking a 4/1 lead in determined fashion, finally Sarah showing some fatigue after many hours on court. There was one last brave effort from Sarah bringing the set back to 3/4 but Gavin was not to be denied closing the match and championship 6/3 in the decider.

We look forward to hosting the tournament again next year.

Will Burns & Jack Carter