East Glos members take part in major British tennis tournament
East Glos was well represented in the British Seniors Clay Court Championships at Bournemouth last week, the biggest tournament in the British seniors calendar.
East Glos coach Steve Evans reached his first clay court semi-final in the Over-60s before losing a tight three-setter to Scotland’s Russell Howat, then went on to lose the doubles final with partner Rob Short from Torquay.
Felicity Thomas reached both the singles and doubles finals in the Over-75s. In the singles, after losing the first set 7-5 to her doubles partner (Ruth Weston, Surrey), she went 5-0 up in the second set when she pulled a muscle. She played on for two more games but had to retire. This was her first singles loss this year.
After some physiotherapy, rather than disappoint her partner, Ruth Weston, she went on court to play the doubles final but they lost narrowly (7-5, 7-6) despite her immobility. She remains at number seven in the doubles rankings.
Because of her injury, she had to concede the Over 65 ‘s EG match against the 45 Club due to be played two days later. Already depleted by other injuries and commitments, she felt unable to put out a team against the current European team champions.
Those due to play for the 45 Club were all at Bournemouth playing in finals, which indicates their strength. It would have been a great experience had East Glos been able to compete.
Tony Smith gained his first ITF points with a comfortable first round victory in the Over-55s and club chairman Henry Marshall found his first round opponent too strong.
The next national seniors event is the grass court championships with the 60 and above age groups played at East Glos this year.
Entry is via the ITF Seniors website.