Abingdon Open Tournament 2004

This year the Abingdon Lawn Tennis Club Open Tournament took place from Sunday 15th to Saturday 21st August. It began on a fine Sunday afternoon with the Preston Bowl for mixed couples. This turned out to be a most enjoyable afternoon's tennis, with last year's champions, Alex Wingent and Lucy Collinson, retaining their title.

The main business of the week began on Monday, with sixteen Junior competitions and the Family doubles competition spread throughout the week, culminating in the Finals day on Saturday 25th August. The weather this August was not as good as last year, but despite the numerous showers the competition schedule remained on track. Abingdon LTC extend its thanks to the referee, Julia Freeman, for so ably keeping things on schedule despite the vagaries of the weather. Thanks also to the parents and club members who kindly helped with the day to day running of the tournament, and to the sponsors whose support has been important in making the tournament a success.

There were over 130 entrants in the junior competitions this year. There was a larger field of boys than girls, but in all cases there were enough entrants to make it a good competition for all.

The Pearce brothers dominated the younger boy's competitions, with Christopher Pearce winning both the Under 9 and Under 10 Boys Singles, and his brother Alex winning the Under 12 Boys Singles. Joshua Oxley also performed strongly, with victories in the Under 14 and Under 16 Boys Singles. He, with his partner Reeves Lydon, also won the Under 14 Boys Doubles.

Stephanie Prew was unstoppable in the Under 12 Girls Singles, and also won the Under 14 Girls Doubles with her partner, Joanna Muddle. Joanna Muddle and Hannah Pennicott shared honours in the Under 14 and Under 16 Girls Singles. Joanna won the Under 16 Girls Singles, with Hannah as runner-up, and Hannah won the Under 14 Girls Singles with Joanna runner-up.

Stephen Piddock had a disappointing start to the week, losing in the first round to the eventual Under 12 Boys Singles winner, Alex Pearce, and to George Collier in the Under 14 Boys Singles. Despite these setbacks, he ended up with a successful week as the winner of both the Under 12 Boys Singles Plate and the Under 14 Boys Singles Plate. The final crowning of his six hours play on Finals Day was, with his father's help, victory in the Family Doubles against George and Gillian Collier.

This was the first year of organising the Open for the new Open Tournament Director, David Crowley. Both he, and the Tournament Referee, Julia Freeman, were a little nervous in going into the tournament without the years of experience that last year's Director, Alex Wingent, behind them. Happily, their fears were totally unfounded, and together they ended up running a highly successful event. They extend their thanks to all the competitors and helpers who made the event so rewarding, and they both look forward to seeing all this year's and many new competitors coming to Abingdon in August next year to join them for the ALTC Open 2005 Tournament!

Fourteen of the finals were played on Finals Day, Saturday 21st August. The club was pleased to welcome representatives of two of the Sponsors; Grant Shergold from racketsdirect and Ben Tonks from Tonks Brothers. As well as watching and enjoying much of the action, Grant and Ben assisted the Referee, Julia Freeman, and the Abingdon Lawn Tennis Club Chairman, David Howard, in presenting the winners shields, runner-up medals and other prizes to the competitors. Pictured above (left) are Grant Shergold and Julia Freeman presenting a prize to the Under 16 Girls Singles winner, Joanna Muddle, and to the right, David Howard, Ben Tonks and Julia Freeman handing the Under 12 Girls Shield and prize to Stephanie Prew at the Finals Presentation Ceremony.