* Over 80s Singles and Doubles 2025

Unfortunately, two players who have supported all the age group tournaments from the 60s upwards had to scratch at the last moment, namely Robin Barlow and David Brazier, both of whom were missed. These two stalwarts had very recently presented the tournament with a singles cup and a doubles trophy shield; thanks are due to them for their generosity. 

The two events, plus a plate event, were run concurrently over two days on 24 and 25 November 2025, with 13 players in the singles and 12 participants in the doubles event.

The singles event produced a surprising new star in Richard Pettit, a mid-50s handicapper from Queen’s. He must have played about 10 points better than his handicap, producing a very effective forehand, dealing easily with Ward's serving in the first semi-final. It turned out to be a great battle with Ward struggling to find his form but coming through by 8 games to 5. 

In the second semi, Willie Wilks played better than expected, beating Vaughan Williams by 8 games to 3.

In the final, Ward was struggling with his usual accurate high side wall serves and Wilks was able to return to a good length thereby making this a tight contest. Ward nevertheless came through to retain his title by 8 games to 4.

The doubles provided much sporting tennis, with the first semi-final seeing John Ward and Willie Wilks defeating the established Queen’s pair of Bernard Anscomb and Harry Saint by 8 games to 2, whilst in the other semi, Richard Dalzell and Vaughan Williams made it through in a tight contest against the Hardwick pair of Michael Hirst and Simon Nickson by 8 games to 5.

In the final, both Ward and Wilks served well to beat Dalzell and Williams by 8 games to 2 to retain their title.  

Thanks are due to Holyport for hosting the event on its magnificent court and even greater thanks are due to Josh King who was on duty throughout the whole of the tournament, providing tireless and accurate marking.

John Ward