Bognor tennis stars enjoy finals-day fun

Stella Smith faced Louise West in the ladies’ singles final, a match that became more competitive as it progressed and resulted in a 6-3, 6-3 win for West.

In the draw for partners match Neil O’Boyle and Laura Ward played a three-set match against Gaynor Woodward and Rick West. Woodward and West won the first set 6-0 but the second and third sets went to O’Boyle and Ward, the final one after a tie-break.

Previous champion Oliver Callingham once again won the men’s singles against Paul McDonald. The first set was extremely close and was resolved in a tie-break that Callingham won 8-6. The second set was closer than the score, 6-1 to Callingham, suggests.

At this point in the day the sky had begun to cloud over, but that didn’t dampen spirits. Jean Mugleston played alongside O’Boyle in the mixed doubles. Their opposition, Rick and Louise West, took the first set, but Mugleston and O’Boyle were able to win the second.

In the third set Mugleston and O’Boyle were leading 4-1 when the Wests had to forfeit the match after Rick suffered an injury later revealed to be a broken ankle.

Stella Smith returned for the ladies’ doubles, partnered by Jenny Loversidge. They faced Jean Mugleston and Maree Loversidge, who won the first set 6-2. The second set was won by Smith and Jenny Loversidge and, unfortunately, Mugleston and Maree Loversidge were forced to concede the game after Mugleston suffered an injury.

Don North and Sue Briggs tackled Dave Phillips and Mary Swanton in the veterans’ doubles. The first set was closely fought with long rallies, but North and Briggs eventually won it 7-5 and took the second set 6-2.

The final match of the day was the men’s doubles. Younger club members Leighton Bailey and Toby Gibbons faced previous winners Robert Callingham and Dave Maskell. Callingham and Maskell won the first set 6-3, as well as the second set, resolved in a tie-break.

Competitors and spectators enjoyed the full day of tennis and socialising.

If you want to know more about the club, or are considering joining please visit www.bognortennisclub.co.uk

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