Graham Auld lived up to his reputation as the ‘Comeback King’ to take the men’s title, with Francesca Bell again winning the women’s tournament. Their success didn’t end there, though, and they both added to their medal haul by winning their respective doubles.
Graham faced young pretender Patrick Brooker in the final and fell behind as his opponent took the opening set 7-5 following a close tie break. Yet, just as he did last year, he rallied back to take the next two deciding sets 6-4, 8-6 in a highly charged, but sporting, encounter.
Looking to keep hold of her crown from last year, 19-year-old Francesca was up against club stalwart, and ladies’ captain, Cath Reed and, in a match closer than the scoreline suggest, she came out on top in straight sets at 6-2, 6-1.
Graham and Patrick then pooled sources to take on the veteran Steward brothers, Jon and Julian, and were given a real test before taking the title 6-4, 6-3.
Francesca also claimed a double as she teamed up with Kate Wilson to battle it out in a topsy turvy encounter with the vastley experienced pair of Barbara Laidler and Jane Bradley, before securing the win at 6-4, 1-6, 6-1.
The finals day was brought to a close with a marathon game in the seniors’ tournament, club chairman George Miller needing two-and-a-half hours to get past Paul Haverson 6-7, 6-4, 6-3.
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