Over 50 Amateur Doubles 2011
May 07, 2011 - May 08, 2011 Seacourt Dan Jones
Over 50 Amateur Doubles Championship
The tournament started with the holders, Alan Fine and Hugh Latham taking on Petworth players Andrew Adamson and Robin Williams. Hugh and Alan won the first but had to fight hard to secure the second as Andrew and Robin settled into the court and found their range. Mick Dean and Paul Kettle (4) held off a very strong challenge from Veteran player John Ward and the youthful Neale Turner in a fantastic display of tennis. Mick and Paul raised their game to win the match 6.4 6.3. Paul Weaver and Phillip Shaw-Hamilton (3rd) took on MCC duo Ronald Paterson and David Byrant, who despite the score line made a good account of themselves but Paul and Phillip were too strong on the day and won 6.1 6.0. David Watson and William Maltby (2) took on home players Alex Garside and Spencer Davies but despite their best efforts they couldn't find a way through and William and David won through 6.1 6.0.
The semi finals saw Hugh Latham and Alan Fine raise their game to take on Mick Dean and Paul Kettle in an intense semi final. Despite Paul and Mick's best efforts they couldn't find an answer for Hugh's vicious cut shots, and Alan's aggressive volleying proved to be too much and Alan and Hugh won a place in the final with a solid 6.1 6.2 victory. The second semi was a treat for all to watch with Paul Weaver and Phillip Shaw- Hamilton trading shot for shot with David Watson and William Maltby in a fantastic display of tennis. Paul and Phillip secured the first set 6.3 in a breathtaking display of tennis from all and had to fight extremely hard in the second set, where they held their nerve in the 11th game to win the match 6.5 and a place in the final.
The final was watched by the Seacourt faithful and they were treated to a first class match. The standard couldn't have been higher, with both pairs at the top of their game. Paul and Phillip came out the blocks and caught Hugh and Alan napping and took a strong 5.3 lead and looked poised to take the first set, but Alan raised his game and inspired Hugh to hit the targets and bring more pressure to bear on his floor game and they stole the set 6.5. Unperturbed, Paul and Phillip battled back into the match and won the crucial deuce games to level the match with a 6.4 set. Final set and the first game lasted for over 15 minutes! Both pairs knew who won the first game had a psychological edge that would be invaluable. Hugh and Alan snuck that game and never looked back despite Paul and Phillip's best endeavours and they went onto to defend their title with a 6.5 4.6 6.2 victory.
The back draw saw Robin Williams and Andrew Adamson reach the final due to John Ward pulling out due to injury. Alex Garside and Spencer Davies used their home court knowledge to great effect to win a place in the final over Ronald Paterson and David Bryant (6.2 6.3). The final started at a great pace with the Petworth pair using their forcing and volleying skills to great effect to pressure Alex and Spencer from the onset. Alex and Spencer counter punched with tight serves and playing the floor to great effect and went on to win the match 6.4 6.3. Once again Seacourt would like to thank Neptune and the T&RA for all their support in real tennis.