RAF TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS - WED 21 JUL TO SAT 24 JUL 10

Results

The RAF Tennis Championships took place at Halton Tennis Centre 21-24 Jul 10 attracting over 80 competitors of all standards and ages from across the country. The weather held out to enable a spectacle of tennis on the 6 outdoor Astroturf courts. Guests and supporters, including local dignitaries and senior RAF Officers, were able to view the matches from the comfort of the club house and facilities surrounding the courts.

The first two days of the tournament were extremely busy with over 100 matches being played in the preliminary rounds prior to the semi-finals on the third day. The standard of play throughout the week was high, and it was apparent that both the Novice and Inter-Station competitions held earlier in the year gave new playing impetus to those who took part in all 3 events. For those unable to progress through to the later rounds of the tournament, a Mixed Doubles and Mens Plate competition ensued, enabling the losers from the initial rounds to continue their tennis, with the latter being won convincingly by Fg Off Podmore from RAF High Wycombe. The juggling of all the events and matches was ably conducted by our Tournament Referee, Wg Cdr (Retd) Ray Greenhall, with much support and running around from Sqn Ldr George Manvell and FS Al Lawson who ensured a successful and well organized competition over the 4 days. Additionally, free coaching was provided by FS Mark Hughes the RAF Head Coach to all who wanted to further improve their playing ability.

The finals, which took place on Sat 24 Jul were hotly contested affairs with Flt Lt Chris Evans taking the Mens singles title from FS Mark Lane with a 6-3 6-4 victory. The Ladies Singles final saw Flt Lt Elizabeth Price pip Flt Lt Emma Clamp to the title with a 6-4 6-3 victory. The Mens doubles title was won by Flt Lt Jon Bond and FS Mark Lane who pulled off a stunning victory against the favourites Flt Lt Chris Evans and Sgt Phil Corral. The Ladies doubles was a very close competition this year with the eventual winners Cpl Sue Pugh and SAC Sharon Timmath beating Sqn Ldr Suzi Willis and Flt Lt Elizabeth Price 6-1 7-6 in a gripping match. There was an excellent turn out for both the Mens and Ladies’ Vets competitions with Flt Lt Jed Doherty taking the Mens Vets Singles title, FS Marc Hughes and Sgt Dave Egerton taking the Mens Vets doubles title and Anne Johnston and Gill Christmas taking the Ladies’ Vets Doubles title

In traditional fashion, Finals Day concluded with presentations of prizes by the President of the RAF LTA, Chief of the Air Staff followed by a cocktail party with music provided by the RAF Band. The coaches award for the most significant development in a player this year went to Flt Lt Emma Clamp and an award for overall contribution to RAF Tennis was awarded to Flt Lt Elizabeth Price. The Championships culminated in the announcement of the RAF squads which went on to compete at Wimbledon in the Inter-Service competition.

This year saw the retirement of Sqn Ldr Damien Gange from the RAF and from the Tennis community. The players, friends and family all gathered at the Halton Tennis Centre to celebrate and show their appreciation for his involvement as both a player and as Director of Tennis.

Overall the competition proved to be a resounding success and it is hoped that next year, even more people will be attend.