A closely-fought men’s singles final between two of Fishbourne Tennis Club’s most competitive players proved a highlight of a successful Finals Day on Saturday (5 September).
After losing the first set to Tom Craddock 4-6, Chris Gosden overcame early nerves and fought back to take the next two sets 6-3, 6-3. The match lasted almost two hours and kept the large crowd enthralled.
It was a big day for Chris, 34, from Selsey – he went on to win the men’s doubles final with his partner Phil Tite in an equally closely-fought battle with previous FTC champions Bill Cove and Andre Rogers.
The action was just as fast-paced among the ladies, with another new FTC champion, Kate Gurl, being crowned after taking the ladies’ singles title.
In a close encounter notable for its punishing rallies, Ben Jameson and Callum Budd fought for the junior trophy with the sort of tennis that has given them an unbeaten record in the under 12s Aegon Team Tennis league.
The championships for 2015 were held in honour of one of the club’s most popular and longest-playing members, Ronnie Ray, who died earlier this year aged 95. Trophy presentations were made by his widow, Gladys, who also presented the club with a cheque for £1000 left to the club in Ronnie Ray’s will.
Results: Fishbourne Tennis Club Ronnie Ray Championships 2015:
- Men’s singles: Chris Gosden def Tom Craddock 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
- Ladies’ singles: Kate Gurl def Nikki Holden 6-4, 6-4
- Junior boys’ singles: Ben Jameson def Callum Budd 6-4, 6-4
- Men’s doubles: Chris Gosden and Phil Tite def Bill Cove and Andre Rogers 6-3, 7-5
- Ladies’ doubles: Katy Bracher and Sue Lord def Gilly Perrin and Priscilla Pendle 6-1, 6-1
- Mixed doubles: Trevor and Katy Bracher def Sue and David Lord 6-1, 6-4
