Finals Day (1) – 25 July

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Men’s Singles – James Brennan v Seb Edwards

James Brennan took his place in the final, after losing his semi-final in 3 sets to Jacques Edwards, when Jacques found himself double-booked with a tennis event in Sussex.  So, instead of the battle of the Edwards brothers, James, 7-times winner and our 2019 champion, took on Seb Edwards who was looking to take over as youngest ever singles champion from 2020 winner Jacques.

With the start in doubt due to a dreadful weather forecast, in fact there was just a short stop for a light shower at the end of the first set and it turned out to be one of the closest and hardest fought men’s singles finals we’ve had at Crowthorne Tennis Club.  

James served first and, in the 1st set, the first 5 games all went against serve. Seb then held for 4-2 and then both players held for the last 4 games making it 6-4 to Seb. 5 breaks then 5 holds !

In the 2nd set, both players held for 1-1 then Seb then broke James’ serve and James broke back for 2-2.  There were no further service breaks until 5-5 when Seb broke to go 6-5 up and then held for 7-5 to take the title.

Mixed Doubles – Maggie Ingham & James Thackray v Ravinder Norman & Russell Finch

This was an intriguing match between a new partnership, Maggie & James, playing Ravinder & Russell who had played together several times before and in both the mixed and handicap doubles.   Having lost to the same pair in the Group stage, Ravinder & Russell were determined to turn the tables and, in particular, put Russell on the honours board for the first time since 2015, the year before he took over running the championships.

James started with a service hold and Russell held to make it 1-1 before both women were broken to make it 2-2.  James then slipped up on his service and Russell held to make it 4-2. 

It was noticeable that Ravinder was putting away more volleys at the net and Russell was getting more penetration with his service.  With Maggie dropping her service again, Ravinder continued with her steady play to hold hers and take the first set 6-2.

In the 2nd set, James held service but Russell was broken after three deuces and with Maggie and Ravinder both losing theirs, James and Maggie led 3-1.  However, that was the last game they won as James was broken to love and Russell was again taken to three deuces but, this time, won his service to make it 3-3.  He and Ravinder were now dominating, winning the last three games to take the second set 6-3 and win the title.

Places must be booked in advance via the Members’ Area and selections will then be confirmed on the morning or evening before the event.  Please do not turn up if you have not been selected as you will be turned away. Players are selected on a first come first serve basis usually in multiples of 4 players.  Note that none of these sessions is suitable for beginners.

  • Note that the Committee tries to accommodate the wishes of members, within the constraints of time and 4 courts, but a session for each ability level is the guiding principle.
    • The Friday session is for recreational and higher players and runs from 6pm to 8pm
    • The Thursday 5:30 session is for intermediate players and runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
    • The Thursday 7:30 session is for intermediate and advanced players including potential team players and runs from 7:30 to 9:30pm.
    • The Tuesday session is for advanced players and runs from 7pm to 9pm. 
    • In all cases you must commit to the full two hours.
  • Before the session you will have been told by the organiser your starting court, your partner and your opponents.
    • These will take into account each player’s normal playing standard with the best players starting on court 1 and, with 16 players, the least able players on court 4.  However, the organiser may occasionally decide to organise it differently such as a “lucky dip” for starting court & partner.
    • In addition, for the Thursday 7:30 session, the organiser will take into account any pairings for matches at the coming weekend.
  • Play is split into 3 rounds lasting 40 minutes each.  Play 1 set with normal deuce scoring.  If you finish early either carry on or mix in your 4.
    • If you haven’t finished the set after 40 minutes and the scores are level, play a sudden death point
  • At the end of the 40 minutes the winners of the first set played move up a court, the losers move down a court (court 1 is the top court). Winners on the top court stay, as do the losers on the bottom court. If you didn’t finish your set then the pair winning at the time moves up.
  • Pairs then split partners with the pair joining them and you play a second round.
    • Partners are selected by spinning rackets or using common sense to try to get a balanced 4.
  • Exactly the same happens for the third round.

Drop-In club nights are, as the name implies, more informal sessions than the bookable ones and you can arrive and leave when you like.  Those attending organise themselves, changing who plays with whom after most present have completed a set, although there’s often a more senior member present who  will take charge if needed.

We are currently running 2 Drop-In  sessions for all levels from Starter upwards…

  • The Tuesday session has recently been rebranded for All Levels and runs from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.  If you want to sit out and watch, maybe with a drink, you can do that too.  If you’ve arrived early for the 7 o’clock session, you’re also welcome to join in.
  • The Wednesday session is for all levels of player including beginner and usually runs from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
    • You can expect members attending adult coaching to join in.
  • The Sunday session is for All levels and runs from 3:00 – 5:00pm.

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