by Aimee Richards | Jul 3, 2018 | News - General, Tennis News
The standard of tennis matched the scorching weather as members of Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis & Squash Club enjoyed their Club Championships Finals weekend.
At the end of three weeks of action in which 183 matches took place across many different competitions, the winners were crowned in the Newbridge sunshine in front of a sizeable and lively crowd.
“I am very proud to be the tennis Chairman when we have a day like today,” said Nigel Eastwood, tennis chairman at WLTSC.
“I can’t remember a better day for the weather for finals day, or a better day for the quality of the tennis on show.
“It was great to see so many young players involved, and the combined age of the ladies’ final, at just 29, must have been the lowest ever.”
It was 13-year-old Adeola Greatorex who was victorious in that final, against Lily Hale, while Henry Parry’s impressive recent dominance of the Mens’ Singles title was brought to an end thanks to a superb performance from Fin Cook.
Cook then partnered Tom Welsh to victory against Paul Hodgetts and James Henderson in an entertaining Mens’ Doubles final, whilst Cathy Lea and Louise Scott prevailed in the Ladies doubles final against Elizabeth Allan and Jane Hatton.
The mixed doubles final saw Hodgetts and Serena Gill defeat Robin Chipperfield and Cynthia Jackson.
As well as the main draws there were other graded tournaments and consolation plate competitions, ensuring all members had a good opportunity to make progress through the draws.
“We had over 200 entries in total, and it was great to see the club so busy over the last three weeks,” added Hodgetts, Every Point Rackets Manager at WLTSC.
“The standard at the top end of the club is probably higher than it has ever been, but for us as a club, it is about more than just the best players.
“The way the draws are graded means that all our members can take part at their different levels and have a fair chance to make a final.
“Finals Day was a great success – it is probably the biggest date on our tennis calendar and we turn it into an entertaining event and something which spectators can really enjoy.”
Other Finals Results:
Mens’ A Singles Plate: Ross Fletcher beat Robin Chipperfield.
Mens’ B Singles: Adrian Watts beat Alex Birch.
Mens’ B Singles Plate: Steve Turner beat Jonathan Whitehead.
Mens’ C Singles: Paul Fothergill beat Steve Pearcey.
Mens’ C Singles Plate: Luke Carpenter beat Jason Mansell.
Mens’ B Doubles: Mark Shahar & Sol Shahar beat Jon Evans & Dave Tilley.
Mens’ B Doubles Plate: Mark Fletcher & Alex Fletcher beat Glenn Rickwood & Richard Down.
Ladies’ A Singles Plate: Lucy Calrow beat Jacqueline Greatorex.
Ladies’ B Doubles: Hetty Willis & Lucinda Willis beat Gurvinder Hayer & Aurelia Lendinez.
Ladies B Doubles Plate: Rebecca Smith & Lynette Guest beat Suzanne Davies & Karen Fletcher.
Mixed Doubles B: Mark Shahar & Lily Hale beat John Killion and Elizabeth Allan.
Mixed Doubles B Plate: Andy Reddish & Verena Wieck beat Luke Carpenter & Heather Hale.
THANKS TO SIMON CALROW FOR THE PHOTOS
by Aimee Richards | Apr 18, 2018 | News - General, Squash News
A report from the British Journal of Medical Science outlined that racquet sports, swimming and aerobics are the three forms of physical activity best suited to avoiding heart disease and strokes.
And the world-renowned Forbes Magazine once cited the sport of squash as the healthiest of them all, edging out rowing and rock climbing, following extensive research.
Reports and research can often say many different things, but for a real-life example of the benefits of regular activity via the medium of squash, step forward the one and only Keith Allcock!
Keith, from Tettenhall, continues to both perspire and inspire as part of the regular Wednesday squash mix-in at Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.
Fit as a fiddle, he comes off court still showing plenty of energy and all the benefits associated with an hour-and-a-half of vigorous exercise.
And yet, Keith is 82 years old!
“I come to the squash mix-in every week and play a bit at other times as well – it is brilliant!” he explains.
“I have great fun with the other guys.
“I have been playing squash since I was 46 when a friend of mine asked me for a game of squash and we went along to Stafford Leisure Centre.
“I loved it from the start, being able to thrash the ball around like you can on a squash court!
“As soon as I get on court I feel like I come alive.
“I have always been really into sport and keeping fit and playing squash is a great way of doing that.”
Keith’s competitive streak stems from an early career as a weightlifter, and has continued with his squash.
He has previously made good progress through the draw in veterans events in the World Over-75s Championships and British Open, including finishing runner-up in the latter in 2011.
It is Matt McFahn, Head of Squash and Racketball at WLTSC, who leads the mix-ins at which Keith and many other players do battle, both on and off court!
“The mix-in sessions are competitive but also great socially as well, with plenty of banter,” says Matt.
“We have players of many different ages and it is a session that they all look forward to.
“As well as that research about squash being such a healthy sport, it is also worth remembering that it is also all about thinking as well.
“You move fast, move slow, sometimes long rallies and sometimes short, but you are always using your brain.
“In terms of Keith, you wouldn’t believe that he is 82.
“With him having previously been a weightlifter, he has always been really competitive.
“The amazing thing about Keith is that if we do a practice, he is the one person we can never get to stop or drop out!
“He will sit out just to share everything around if needs be but apart from that we can’t get him off because he is so keen to keep playing and hitting the ball.
“He loves it!”
by marc | Jan 31, 2018 | News - General, Tennis News
Congratulations to Team GB and our very own Henry Trump who played immaculately throughout the Tennis Europe Winter Cup event in Liebnitz, Austria under the watchful eye of Nick Morris.
