British Junior Under 18 Handicap Singles Tournament
Sponsored by Square Mile Sourcing
SEACOURT  15th-16thth December

Just before Christmas the Seacourt section of the British Junior Under 18 Singles Tournament was held at the Hayling Island club. This year saw an even bigger entry beating last year’s record with 43 young players from many different clubs taking part.

The event was split into “A” and “B” grade sections. In the “B” Grade there were 5 round robin groups of 4 or 5 juniors. It was a very good day for Seacourt player Sian Medlow who won her group and then raced through the knock-out stages to reach her second consecutive “B” Grade final. The other half of the draw saw similar progress for William Geffen (Queen’s).A very close fought final eventually ended with a win for Sian Medlow 8-4.

In the “A” grade competition the players with the lowest handicaps played in another 5 round robin groups with some excellent play throughout with juniors from Petworth, Canford, Oratory, Holyport, RTC, Queen’s, Oxford and Hyde as well as the usual Seacourt contingent. On the day 3 out of 4 semi finalists were Seacourt players, with Louis Gordon reaching the final once more by defeating Neil McKenzie. In the other  semi final Alex Evans lost to Tom Jesty in the closest match of the day.

In the final Louis Gordon produced some good tennis and built up a good lead but then started to struggle with the size of the handicap he was giving away to his opponent. However, from 6/6 Louis finally made his move with an exceptional couple of games which showed great control as well as his regular power game He now goes on to the play-off final against  the winner of the Prested tournament, Lewis Williams, to be played on Sunday March 30th at Holyport.

Semi-finals
L.Gordon (Seacourt) bt N. Mackenzie (Hyde) 6/4, T.Jesty (Seacourt) bt A.Evans (Seacourt) 6/5

Final
L,Gordon bt T.Jesty  8/6