AFTER a competitive and enjoyable week of groups stages, last Saturday (19th) saw the semi finals and finals of the 2009 Europa General Invitational tournament at Hawarden Tennis Club. This is the second year of the tournament which was launched last year to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the club’s foundation in 1927.
Wendy Cree of Europa General (centre) with the Hawarden duo of Amanda Leeman & Heather Rose
Hawarden is a quaint, three all-weather court club tucked in behind Knock Fire Station in Clonlee Drive. The club is family-centred and famous for its welcoming atmosphere but it can still produce the goods when it comes to providing quality competitors. Current Ulster representatives include Gareth McGreavy (Senior), Megan McGreavy (Junior Ulster and Irish rep) and Steven Marshall (Junior Ulster). Junior Veteran Ulster players include Amanda Leeman, Steven Leeman and Wendy Cree (Junior Veteran Irish rep).
Semi-finals
The first semi-final of the Over 35 men’s doubles was contested by the first time partnership of Steven Leeman (Hawarden) & Godfrey Gaston (Ballymena), against local rivals Roy Wilson & Greg O’Rawe (Windsor). The other semi-final in this section was between John Maguire (Irvinestown) & Andy Moore (Omagh), against Jim Watt & Paddy Taylor (Larne).
Amanda Lee of Hawarden
Hawarden duo of Amanda Leeman & Heather Rose contested the first Over 35 semi-final against the newly formed partnership of Fiona Ludlow (last year’s winner from Ballynafeigh) & Julie Maguire (Belfast Boat Club). The other semi-final in this section saw Bangor ladies Jenny Lyall & Cathy Law take on Gilnahirk player Julie May Noteman & Larne’s Kathy McCandless.
Russell Connell of Hawarden took part in the first men’s Over 50s semi-final alongside Malcolm McKibbin from Belfast Boat Club. Their opponents were the long-term partnership of Fred McNabb and Dennis Cairns from Whitehead.
The first semi-final of the ladies Over 50s was contested by Letty Lucas (Downshire) & Liz Thompson (Belfast Boat Club), against Irene Hewitt (Belfast Boat Club) & Eileen Morrison (Ballynafeigh). Lurgan ladies Donna Gilpin & Cherry Kirkpatrick faced Muriel King (Civil Service) & Rosemary Edgeworth (Bangor) in the other.
Finals
Gents finalists at Hawarden
Over 35 Men’s Doubles – Steven Leeman & Godfrey Gaston v Jim Watt & Paddy Taylor
This match was the tightest of all finals with Jim Watt and Paddy Taylor taking the first set 7-5 with only one break in serve. This was the wakeup call that Steven Leeman and Godfrey Gaston needed who then raced through the second set taking it 6-0 and taking the match to a championship tie break. Steven and Godfrey raced to a lead in the tie break and with some devastating net play and passing shots, eventually running out 10-4 winners.
Over 35 Ladies’ Doubles – Kathy McCandless & Julie May Noteman v Amanda Leeman & Heather Rose
This match provided some good tennis from both teams with some great attacking play. The local pairing of Amanda and Heather, being used to the court surface and each other’s play, ran out winners with a score of 6-3, 6-2.
Over 50s finalists at Hawarden
Over 50 Men’s Doubles – Malcolm McKibbin & Russell Connell v Stephen Cutherbertson & Jimmy McCutcheon
First on court after lunch, Malcolm and Russell’s volleying was just too strong for the opponents who put up a great fight. Special mention must go to Malcolm McKibbin for his successful ‘Federer shot’ in an important rally. Malcolm and Russell won the match in a comfortable scoreline of 6-2, 6-2.
Over 50 Ladies Doubles – Liz Thompson & Letty Lucas v Donna Giplin & Cherry Kirkpatrick
This match provided some long rallies and lobbing at the net, however the experience of the long-term partnership of Liz and Letty was the dominating factor and they won in a convincing scoreline of 6-1, 6-1.
Following the presentation of prizes, the tennis committee thanked sponsor Europa General for their support again this year. A massive thank you and presentation was made to Wendy Cree, the tournament director, for all her hard work and efforts in overseeing the tournament and thanks were also directed to all the helpers from Hawarden Tennis Club who were great throughout the week. Finally a thank you was made to all the competitors for supporting the tournament again this year.
The President of Tennis Ireland, Mrs Letty Lucas (who won the Over 50 ladies section) made a short speech and thanked all the players and Hawarden Tennis Club for hosting the successful tournament.
Friday, October 9th, 2009
