Woodland Lawn Tennis Club held the first of its club finals days.

WOODLAND Lawn Tennis Club held the first of its club finals days.

The first match was a hard-hitting affair as Chris Wheeler took on Ben Fletcher for the President’s Cup. Fletcher comfortably won the first set, but in the second, Wheelers’ powerful serve started to put him under pressure.

Fletcher managed to keep hitting the baseline with equally powerful returns and the pace of the game forced Wheeler to go for his shots. It wasn’t to be Chris’ day however, as Fletcher closed out the second set 6-3.

The men’s Chairman’s Cup saw a replay of last year’s final with Oliver Garside once again meeting Chris Bond and the match was characterised by long, baseline rallies. It was Bond who eventually took the initiative and began to charge the net, forcing Garside to play some effective lobs. Bond’s net play proved decisive and he retained his title in straight sets.

The ladies’ Chairman’s Cup saw a tactical battle between Elaine Edwards and Shirley Campbell. The whole court came into play as Campbell’s characteristic slices to Edwards’ backhand were countered by her forehand drives into the corners.

As Edward’s shots began to find the baseline, she was able to take control of the match and win 6-2, 6-4.

The mixed doubles event rounded off the day, but this wasn’t without drama. Roger Norville and Jo Le Neve Foster were set to play Bond and Viv Barber.

Bond and Barber took the first two games, but disaster struck as Bond collapsed with severe cramp. The long singles game had obviously taken its toll on Bond and when he and Barber lost the first set in the tie break, they decided to retire.

Woodland chairman, Les Treen, was impressed by the standard of play. He said: “I think that the tennis we have seen today has been the best of any finals yet at Woodland.”

The club is now looking forward to the finals of the ladies’ President’s Cup, the men’s doubles and ladies’ doubles.

For more information on the club and its activities, contact membership secretary Judy Cannon on 01934 629819 or visit the website at www.woodlandtennisclub.co.uk