Tennis News

What a week for Southdown Tennis!

On Sunday the 11th July the Southdown Club's Men's 1st Team beat a very experienced team from Putney in a bid to qualify for the Aegon South East Regional Team Tennis League. The afternoon of exciting singles and doubles matches ended in a 3-All draw with a nail-biting tie-break shootout proving Southdown to be the stronger team. They go on to the 2nd match of the qualifiers on 25th July at Bromley CC which, if they win, will see them elevated to the regional level of team tennis. Brett Macdonald captained the team of Sean Yates, Joe Adams and Dan Cole.

This was an exciting climax to a week of championships. It started on Sunday the 4th with a social tournament where players of all standards mixed in and had a great time. Men's champion was Sorin Sesu and Ladies champion, for the third time in 3as many events, was Kim Tuddenham. Everyone enjoyed a BBQ afterwards, followed by the Wimbledon Men's final between Nadal and Berdych on the club's new large LCD screen.

Saturday the 10th July saw the annual Club Tennis Championships. The morning was dedicated to the junior tournament. In hard-fought matches, the youngsters showed amazing skill for their age. James Mullineux managed to see off a tough challenge from Alexander Johnson in the final, James eventually prevailing 10-8 in the championship tie-break.

The afternoon began with a delicious hog roast and then the club's top players competed in some great matches. One of the highlights was the Men's Doubles where Brett Macdonald (Head Coach) and partner 14-year old Harry Bridgland beat skilled opponents Martin Carpenter and Andrew Newton 6-3, 6-3. Harry played as well as the three men, delighting the cheering crowd with some very competent net play. Brett Macdonald was the Men's singles winner, beating runner-up John Koti 6-1, 6-1. Carla Leach was once again the Women's Singles Champion with Amanda Thompson the runner-up after a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5.
Other winners included: Sarah burrows and Amanda Thompson (ladies doubles); Martin and Sue Carpenter (100+ doubles); Amanda Thompson and Phil Cottinton (mixed doubles