This past Saturday our Annual Club Tennis Tournament culminated with our Finals Day! There were 32 finals scheduled which ensured an action packed and busy day.

The highlight events on finals day are the Men's & Ladies Open Singles & Doubles finals. Josh Sapwell was competing in both the Men’s singles and doubles finals as well as the Mixed Doubles and he didn’t disappoint the big crowd by reclaiming all those titles to make it the second time he has won the treble! Yet again, fantastic support on an amazingly sunny and great day. "I'm really pleased how I played this year, so hopefully I can keep that rolling into the National League playoffs next month. Thanks again for all the support" said Josh.

On the Ladies side, Farida Korallus entered the day looking to complete a record 5 event wins! She made it through the first two by winning the Ladies’ 40s singles and then the mixed doubles with Josh, before sadly having to withdraw from all other finals due to a calf muscle injury incurred in the Ladies Open Singles Final. Due to this withdrawal the Ladies Singles trophy went to Maddie Lightfoot. Maddie has been training at Berkhamsted in our Junior Academy for the past 4 years and at 16, is the youngest winner for over 10 years. "So happy to win the tournament as I have worked very hard for this. It's a shame we never got to finish the match due to Farida's injury. I hope she recovers soon." Said Maddie. Joanne Lloyd-Evans and Amanda Worth were crowned Ladies’ Doubles winners for the first time. Joanne also won the inaugural Ladies Tier 1 Singles title.

Every finals day the club presents an award to a junior, The David Lidderdale Trophy. The David Lidderdale Trophy recognises a particular junior member and their achievements on the court and off over the past 12 months. David played at the club for a number of years, was a fully active member, represented all the men’s teams including the 1st team. He paid great interest in junior development, and always encouraged and indeed partnered juniors when they made the step up to senior tennis. The trophy named after him is not necessarily for the best junior, or best results, but a junior who has worked hard/been committed to their tennis, has been an active club member who joins in all aspects of the junior & senior sections.

This year’s winner has been an active junior member throughout the year. As well as training himself, he has played in teams, box leagues and helped with junior coaching. He was the unanimous choice of the coaching team to receive it this year. The award for 2023 was presented to 16-year-old Noah Solomons.

Sadly Sue Wolstenholme, our club president, couldn’t be there at the last minute to present the trophies due to an injury.  It’s the first time she hasn’t been there for many many years and she was sorely missed.  Thankfully Mike Hawkes, our past Club Chairman, stepped up to do the presentations. Much appreciated.  

And finally thanks to Claire, Graham and the Isalie team for their hard work on the day.