Oratory Real Tennis club held its first ladies championship over the weekend of 21st and 22nd April. The event was run over the two days, with singles games played on the Saturday and Sunday morning following on with doubles later on Sunday.
With a great turn out of ladies the entire Saturday was filled with group games to determine who went through to the Sunday morning eliminator rounds. 4 players progressed and Sunday morning started with the first of the semi finals. Candida Nicholls played Katy Weston and having played brilliantly on the Saturday couldn’t quite get her game together allowing Katy to take a 6/4 win. Next saw the biggest handicap difference with Pam Tomalin playing our new comer Nic McChlery. Nic improved considerably over the weekend however Pam’s pure determination helped her pull through to a 6/3 win. This meant Pam to face Katy in the final. It was a great game and Katy started very well however once again Pam really knuckled down and took the victory 6/4.
Following straight on was the doubles. With everyone paired up it meant the group stages were over quickly and everyone advance through to the playoffs. The two 3rd placed pairs played each other before the semi finals started. Sarah Whittaker and Sarah Brownlee played Katy Weston and Michelle Bucknell. With the Sarah’s both ‘on fire’ and hitting hard they took the win 5/2. Next up was Carrie Hart and Fiona Fountain to play Geri Brooksbank and Nic McChlery. Again a big handicap that required Carrie and Fiona to play very disciplined tennis. They managed to hold their nerve and won 5/4. They advanced to the final to pay Sarah Whittaker and Sarah Brownlee. Earlier in the day these two had played each other and the Sarah’s took the win 5/0 however Carrie and Fiona had found there form and although a strong fight was put up by the Sarah’s Carrie and Fiona won 5/3. A very enjoyable day was had by all and our first Ladies Singles and Doubles Champions were crowned.
Congratulations to Pam Tomalin who is The Oratory Real Tennis Ladies Singles Champion and Carrie Hart and Fiona Fountain who are The Oratory Real Tennis Ladies Doubles Champions.
For more information on Real Tennis at The Oratory please contact Andy Chinneck on a.chinneck@oratory.co.uk or call 01491 681303
Photos: (L to R) – Winners: Pam Tomalin, Fiona Fountain, Carrie Hart. Runners-up: Sarah Whittaker, Sarah Brownlee, Katy Weston
