tennis Fixture

Seacourt Silver Racquet 2009

Seacourt Silver Racquet

To download the qualifiers results, click here

To download Main draw results, click here

Conor Medlow bt Ben Matthews 6/1 6/0

The Silver racquet 2009 got off to a flying start on Wednesday because the qualifying draw was so well attended. 20 players were competing for four places in the main event and the standard was incredibly high. Any player wishing to qualify had to bring their A game to Seacourt this year.

Craig Greenhalgh defeated Andy Chinneck in a tough three setter to play Seacourt junior Louis Gordon. Despite being a handicap difference of 15 points, Louis went out to win the first set 6.4 with a fearless display of tennis which caught Craig out. Craig had to fight for every point from there on in and narrowly won in a tight three setter to qualify.

Adam Player took a big risk by beating Seacourt MD, Nick Jones, in straight sets to line up a meeting with Mark Mathius who had overcome Adrain Kemp in a brilliant three setter in which the marker was lucky to walk off the court alive. Adam certainly brought out his A game and qualified yet again with a fine 6.1 6.3 win over Mark.

Ged Eden and Paul Weaver fought tooth and nail for the next qualifying spot, treating the spectators to a real battle of wits on court which Ged narrowly won 6.5 6.5. The last place was between Conor Medlow and Will Burns and at 9.30pm the dedans was packed to the penthouse in expectation of a humdinger - they were not disappointed!! Conor came out blazing and won the first three games with a plethora of winning openings from all angles. Will changed gears to battle back but Conor was remorseless and took the set 6.3. The second set saw a swing in Will's favour but Conor upped his game and came from behind to win 6.4 and secure the last place.

Super Saturday got off to a flying start with Craig Greenhalgh and Matty Ronaldson. The match couldn't have been tighter when drawn at one set all!! The match came down to strength, speed and stamina and incredibly it was Matty who won through, 4.6 6.4 6.3.

Conor Medlow took on Stefan King, and in a one sided match, Conor was on fire despite every effort made by Stefan and he won a place in the semi final with a 6.1 6.2 score line.

To the bottom half of the quarter final draw, and Ben Matthews and Ged Eden provided a great match for the spectators. Ged took the first set 6.4 and was 4.2 up and to everyone's surprise it wasn't Jon Dawes pulling up but Ged, with a knee injury!!

The last match was defending champion Luke Danby, who, riding high on confidence, took on Adam Player. The first set swung to and fro and Luke pulled out the stops to clinch the set at 5 all and stormed the second to reach the semi final show down with Ben Matthews.

The atmosphere couldn't have been more electric as past winner Matty Ronaldson walked on court to take on local player Conor Medlow in the semi final. The matched started in a fast aggressive tempo with Matty taking advantage of Conor's early nerves to lead 2-0. Conor found his range and proceeded to win the next 6 games on the trot, despite all the games being exceptionally close.

Matty still upset after conceding the first set, looked dejected at 3.1 down but after some heckling and show me the GUNS from the crowd, Steve Ronaldson mostly, Matty revived himself and fought for every point which put Conor on his back foot and gave Matty the advantage and the set 6.4. Game on! Matty led 3.2, final set and 40 all, BIG game, which swung in Conor's favour, giving him the much needed confidence boost which he took full advantage of to win the match 6.3!

Luke Danby and Ben Matthews met each other two years ago in the final and Ben had a score to settle, having lost then in straight sets. It looked like history was going to repeat itself with Luke dominating the match and a set up 4.2 up, it certainly looked that way. Ben dug deep and drew upon his physical and mental reserves to battle back to level the match. Ben with his new found confidence took full advantage and won his second place in the final in the last three years.

The final was watched by the Seacourt faithful and there was only standing room left. Conor came out the blocks at a tremendous place, attacking and defending the ball like a seasoned professional. Despite valiant efforts by the crowd and himself, Ben couldn't lift his game to match Conor's. Conor won the Silver racket 6.1 6.0 with a fantastic force to the grill to win in true style. Watch this space, Conor is going to go all the way.

Seacourt would like to take the opportunity to thank Robin Geffen of Neptune Investment Management for their generous support, Charlie Liverton for presenting the prizes on behalf of Neptune and all the Seacourt members for their loyal support throughout the Silver Racquet.

Report by Dan Jones