Finals Day 14th September 2011

With threats of Katia affecting weather conditions in Britain there were a few anxious moments for this year's organisers, however once again the sun shone (well some of the time) and the raindrops were very few and in no way enough to stop the enthusiastic competitors.

This year there were two new finals included, the under 12 girls and the Browning Mixed Tournament for over 55's, all together 15 different matches were played, all enjoyed by one hundred plus spectators.

The day started at 12 prompt, Nic Scott defeated Lilli Wembridge in three sets on court 1 while Charly Dando and Judith Penna also took three sets to overcome Jo Haywood and Clare Lewis on court two.  Duncan Grew then had to work hard to beat Nathan Hawkins in a two set, hard hitting mens final. The mens doubles was won by Chris Landen and Mark Hunter who defeated Tom Pate and Mark Taber. Nic Scott and Mark Taber then beat Tim Nobbs and Judith Penna in two close fought sets in the mixed doubles. Finally in the Golden Oldies Charly Dando and David Parkes defeated Phil Collins and Roger Bowdler to win the Browning trophies. The juniors also started at 12 with Freddie Saunders on court three eventually defeating Finlay McDonald in the Boys under 12 tournament in a marathon that lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes. Bishop Sutton has never seen such tenacity of spirit and determination. Well done to both contestants.

Meanwhile the rest of the junior matches were being played. Anna Lindley beat Rebecca Cox in the under 17 girls, Susannah Burke won the under 12 girls against Alice Wembridge and the girls doubles was won by Ellie Finch and Emily Parkes against Emily Abrahams and Laura Finch. Eventually Harry Battersby beat Chris Palmer in a match that followed the under 12 marathon and Adrian Davies and Anthony Haywood defeated Charly McDonald and Matt Cox in a close fought match.

In the mini section Josh Rogers won the orange box, Ben Ake the greens and Ben Philips the reds.

It was a grand day, with an excellent pig roast at lunchtime, an all-day bar and the usual a magnificent tea to end with, before prize giving by our well known councillor Malcolm Hanney. The mini cup for most deserving unsuccessful finalist was presented to Nathan Hawkins not only has he lost the mens finals to Duncan Grew on two successive years but he has been a tremendous help to the coaches generally and umpiring many matches. This year there were a couple of extra presentations, one to Tom Warren for being the best dressed umpire Bishop Sutton has ever seen and also flowers for  Ironfist, Bridget Rylance, to mark her retirement, and wine for Assistant Ironfist, Angela Soper. New 'Ironfist' Shaun Green will take over for 2012 and we wish him well.

As usual the whole tournament was played in good spirit, very much a family affair with all age groups represented and enjoying each other's company. The path marshals were particularly excellent this year firm but polite to everyone. A lot of hard work by a huge team of volunteers made it a real pleasure, many thanks to all who helped coaches, umpires, players, ground supremo, marshals, committee members, tea and bar people, raffle organizers and ticket sellers, especially Ella Scott who yet again sold so many raffle tickets.