tennis Fixture

Over 60 Singles and Doubles (Kershaw Cup)

2014 Over 60s Level Singles & Handicap Doubles Championships

(Kershaw Cup and Thomas Trophy)

Manchester, 21-23 March

There was a full turn-out for both events, with 8 singles players and 16 pairs, resulting in the closing date for entries being brought forward and reflecting the increasing popularity of these convivial championships.

Kershaw Cup

Although last year’s winner, Duncan Colquhoun was unable to defend his title, Manchester TRC was fortunate indeed to attract the entry of the current world over 60s Champion, John Prenn. It speaks volumes for the increasing athleticism of older players, where previous Kershaw winners have held a handicap in the higher teens, John's handicap is a mere 11.

In the quarter-finals, there were two closely contested matches. Andrew Hamilton pushed Jamie Bebb all the way, but Jamie's knowledge of his home court and tighter serving saw him through in straight sets. Richard Moore, the fourth seed, had recently returned to court after a series of injuries and may have lacked some match fitness. However, his opponent Jonathan Fisher was unrelenting with his secure ground strokes and strong volleying. After a close first set, Jonathan took control to win the match convincingly.

The semi-finals were relatively uneventful with John Prenn and Philip Shaw-Hamilton victorious. In the final, however, John produced an awesome display of power. Although Philip covered an enormous amount of court and produced some wonderful retrieves, the match was concluded in 50 minutes. With this formidable performance there is every indication that John will continue to dominate the event for many years to come, possibly overtaking John Ward's decade of Kershaw titles.

Semi-Finals J Prenn bt J Bebb 6/0 6/2, P Shaw-Hamilton bt J Fisher 6/3 6/3

Final J Prenn bt P Shaw-Hamilton 6/0 6/1

Thomas Trophy

Current holders(Ken Smith and Eric Nutter from Newmarket) could not defend their title since Eric was undergoing a small operation. However, the tournament was oversubscribed and was restricted to 16 pairs in 4 groups of 4 pairs. The most interesting development from the round robin matches was the elimination of the lowest handicappers (Prenn/Moore and Shaw-Hamilton/Hamilton) and the success of the two highest handicappers (Townson/Fitton and Godfrey/Buckinghamshire). In the quarter finals the lower handicap pairs(Bebb/Stefanowicz and Newby/Fisher) did really well whilst the highest handicap pairing( Townson/Fitton) also progressed along with Manchester team(Cooke/Isherwood).

Both semi-finals were closely fought affairs, particularly Stefanowicz/Bebb vs. Cooke/Isherwood,a handicap difference of 22 in favour of the former. Bebb served superbly throughout and they wore down their opponents with consistent tennis and amazing retrieving to come through 6-5. The second semi featured Newby/Fisher vs. Townson/Fitton where the handicap difference was 40+ points. Newby/Fisher played really solid tennis and only lost 4 points with single serve faults and hitting the tambour.

A combination of Jill’s superb volleying and Jonathan’s back court retrieving saw them through 6-4.

The final saw a reprise of a group match which was eventually won on the final point of the match by Bebb/Stefanowicz. The standard of tennis in the final was consistently high throughout with few unforced errors and there was never more than a game difference.

Going into the final game Fisher was serving to Bebb and the score reached 30-all before two good chases were laid, the latter being worse than 2 yards. Bebb/Stefanowicz won both chases to win the match 6-5.

Manchester President, Brendan Hegarty, officiated and participated in the championships, infecting everyone with charming warmth and humour. Richard Kershaw attended the Saturday evening dinner and apologised for not being able to present the Kershaw Cup to the winner the following day as he was committed to a charity bike event. Carol Sweeting presented the Thomas Trophy and congratulations were given to Mel Harding for organising his first Thomas championships so efficiently.