Stewart/Hatch win Finals Day thriller

It took a final set tie-break to decide the 2013 Men’s Double Champions after one of the closest-fought and certainly longest finals matches in Fishbourne Tennis Club’s 20-year tournament history.

It had been edge of the seat tennis for the spectators from the moment Duncan Stewart/Dave Hatch and Roy Hay/Trevor Bracher took to the court. The match lived up to its billing as one of the expected highlights of Finals Day, thrilling onlookers with a display of power and precision in what could have been anyone’s game.

With one set apiece, there was still nothing between the players at six all in the final set. After yet another tie-break Stewart/Hatch emerged victorious, eventually clinching the match against Hay/Bracher 7-6, 6-7, 7-6.

In the Ladies’ Doubles Angie Hall and Shaz Morris took the title, while in the Mixed Tim Friesner and Sue Lord claimed victory.

Katy Bracher and André Rogers took the Ladies’ and Men’s Singles titles after convincing wins.

“Congratulations to all the winners and a big well done to everyone who took part in what was a really successful Finals Day for the club,” said FTC Chairman David Lord. “There was some great tennis and some really close-fought matches for the spectators to enjoy. To round things off with a barbecue in the sunshine was the perfect end to a fantastic day for the club and will encourage us to make Finals Day even bigger and better next year.”

All the trophies to the 2013 champions will be presented at the Lady and the Tramp Ball at Bosham Village Hall on Saturday 19 October.

2013 Fishbourne Tennis Club Finals Day results

Ladies’ Singles 6-1 6-1

Katy Bracher beat

Shaz Morris

Men’s Singles 6-0 6-2

André Rogers beat

James Course

Ladies’ Doubles 6-1 6-4

Angie Hall & Shaz Morris beat

Sue Lord & Sarah Stewart

Men’s Doubles 7-6 6-7 7-6

Dave Hatch & Duncan Stewart beat

Roy Hay & Trevor Bracher

Mixed Doubles 6-3 6-4

Tim Friesner & Sue Lord beat

André Rogers & Sarah Stewart