The 54th Lowestoft and East Suffolk Junior Tennis Tournament took
place at Normanston Park Lowestoft last week. Once again the
sponsors were Juler Sports of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.
a successful and enjoyable 54th tournament
There was a very good entry with nearly 80 young people competing
in the various categories, ranging from 10 to 18 and under, with
some excellent tennis played.
The tournament founder Ken Strong, who once again, was on hand
throughout the week to give his invaluable support and advice,
presented the Ken Strong Cup and event prizes with Councillor Wendy
Mawer, Waveney District Council Portfolio Holder for Regeneration
and Deputy Chair.
Cllr Mawer said ‘the tournament provides an ideal competitive
opportunity for youngsters not only in the Waveney district but
from competitors as far a field as Scotland and our twin town in
France, Plaisir. It is wonderful to see so many young people
enjoying sport and making it an important part of their everyday
life'
competitors from Lowestoft's twin town in France, Plaisir
Waveney District Council Service Manager - Sports & Leisure
Development Claire Gallagher was extremely pleased with the way the
tournament had gone.
‘It has been an excellent week. The weather, though precarious at
times ensured 5 days play thanks to the superb organisation by the
tournament team of Claire Phelps, Simon Jordan & Ken Strong.
The standard of play was high and the enthusiasm shown by
youngsters and parents alike contributed to a wonderful week of
sport. Thanks must also go to Jane Lewis and Peter Saunders at
Normanston Park who have played a vital role in making the event
such a success and of course to our sponsors Juler Sports for their
continued support’.
The tournament results below highlight the appeal to not only local
competitors, but also to youngsters from as far a field as France,
Scotland, Leicester and Nottingham.
Once again there were some fine performances by regular competitors
of the event and in particular Mattie Holden (Nottingham) who took
the 18 & under boys singles title and was a close runner up in
the 18 & under boys doubles with Richard Middlemiss of
Stornaway who were beaten in a round robin competition by Mike Wood
and Ben Dyke (Lowestoft). The 16 & under boys singles was won
by Alex Holmes in a closely fought final with Devon Moore
(Mansfield). The 18 & under girls singles was won by Katie
Forsyth (Harleston). The 14 & under boys singles was won by
James Brabben (Lowestoft), who also took the boys 14 & under
doubles title with Ben Foster, the 16 & under mixed doubles
with Grace Hughes and was runner up in the Ken Strong Cup. The
girls 14 & under singles was won by Sarah Reynolds (Gorleston)
who also won the 14 & under mixed doubles with partner Nathan
Welton (Bradwell). The girls 10 & under singles event was
played on a round robin format and Lucy Brabben proved to be most
consistent throughout the week to take the title, closely followed
by Natasha Perkin who also won the 12 & under girls doubles
with sister Bethany. The boys 12 & under title was won by
Robert Camplin, who also took the boys 12 & under doubles with
George Castle and the 10 & under boys singles by Connor Bligh,
in a well fought round robin competition.
The entries for the doubles events were high again this year with
some great team performances on display. All Finals were closely
fought, with success in the 18 & under boy’s doubles by Mike
Wood and Ben Dyke and the 18 & under mixed Ken Strong Cup by
Ian Hunter and Helen Devereux. The 16 & under boys doubles were
won by Ben Stock and Josh Rogers in a 3 set match against Elliot
Hunter and Ruari Shand, the girl’s doubles by Grace Hughes and
Helen Devereux and the mixed by James Brabben and Grace Hughes. In
the 14 & under events the boy’s doubles were won by James
Brabben and Ben Foster and the 14 & under mixed by Nathan
Welton and Sarah Reynolds. The 12 & under boys doubles were won
by Robert Camplin and George Castle and the girls 12 & under
doubles by Bethany and Natasha Perkins in a round robin
competition.
the Moore Family with the Goff Moore Cup
2006 saw the introduction of a special award, The Goff Moore Cup
for Sportsmanship. Goff sadly passed away this year and the Cup was
given to the family by Waveney District Council to recognise the
contribution Goff made to the tournament for over 40 years. Goff's
family were in attendance and Goff’s son Ian Moore presented the
Goff Moore Cup to the 2006 winner Thomas Pettifer. In presenting
the Cup, Ian said 'dad would be so proud to see this cup being
presented for sportsmanship. From a young age we were taught that
to win meant nothing if it wasn't done with good grace and respect
for your opponent. It would be his wish to see this go to a worthy
winner, and in Thomas we have found that.'
Ian Moore presents Thomas Pettifer with the Goff Moore Cup for
Sportsmanship
For more information about tennis in Waveney or any other sports
please contact Service Manager - Sports & Leisure Development,
Waveney District Council on 01502 523010.