LRTA Handicap Mixed Doubles 2024

Once again Seacourt has had a great weekend hosting the LRTA Mixed Handicap Doubles. Although the entry was small with only 12 pairs, all who came enjoyed themselves and there were several new pairings along with the established pairs who have come for several years.

The first group was won by Candida Nicholls and Peter Mawson, who didn’t lose a match. Our sponsor, Chris Halliwell with his partner Caroline MacDowell were runners up in the group and also qualified for the Knockout. The second group featured the new pairing of Georgie Ingham and George Fowler. It was George’s railroad (thanks to John Lumley’s great coaching!) that proved too difficult to many of his opponents and with his steady partner, they didn’t lose a match in the group. They together with the local pair of Alex Garside and Simon de Halpert qualified for the Knockout. In the final group, Olivia Boulton teamed up with her brother for the first time in this competition and showed they were a force to be reckoned with by winning all three matches and only losing 4 games along the way. They qualified for the Knockout and were joined by Rosie and Graham Law who were the runners up. They played well considering Rosie had just returned from a lengthy time off due to injury!

The first Knockout match was between Candida and Peter against Rosie and Graham. This proved to be a very hard-fought match and was nip and tuck all the way with 40 all in each game. It resulted in Candida and Peter finally winning 6-4.

The second match was between Georgie and George from Holyport who beat Chris and Caroline very swiftly 6-0, - unfortunately Chris found George’s railroad impossible to read most of the time. The 3rd Knockout match was between Olivia and Alex who beat Alex and Simon 6-1; the handicap owe 1⁄2 30 rec 1⁄2 30 proved just too much but they fought very hard through each game.

The final brought us 2 new pairs, Georgie and George versus Olivia and Alex and it was anyone’s match. Olivia and Alex who were receiving 15 every game, went 3-1 up in no time and were looking very strong but gradually Georgie and George managed to get their game going, and with most games going to 40 all, they got back into the match and in the end, they pulled out all the stops to win 8-3 in a great match. Let’s hope they continue to play together, and we see them back next year to defend their title.

Praise must go to Tim Armstrong, our assistant pro, who marked all the matches in Drew’s absence due to Covid. Tim calmly oversaw the whole competition which included producing last minute handicaps as the pairings became known on the final day – a great job Tim, thank you!

Our thanks to our sponsor Chris Halliwell of Belcher Addison Solicitors who has supported this tournament for many years. His generosity has been immense ensuring the tournament costs are fully covered and offering more sponsorship when required. The competitors were treated to a delightful drinks party hosted by Chris prior to the dinner on Saturday where many glasses of Pimms were consumed along with a variety of canapes!! This was followed by a delicious dinner courtesy of Seacourt’s chef Vince.

Our thanks also to all the staff at Seacourt who supported the tournament in their usual impeccable way and finally thanks to Alex and Viv for running the tournament once again and for ensuring all ran smoothly. Let’s see if next year we can encourage a few more pairs along to this very friendly tournament by the sea and welcome back those who were unable to make it this year.

Viv Dawes