Medstead Tennis Club’s hottest finals day ever produced some entertaining tennis and was well attended by club members.

Play began at 9am and continued through to 6pm.

Despite the heat, the standard of tennis across all the matches was high.

There were some epic matches – the ladies’ doubles and super vet ladies’ doubles finals went to three sets – with the super vet ladies out on court for more than two hours.

Club treasurer Helen Mullenger took on the task of organising the tournament this year. Grace Lamb’s decorations and bunting set the scene for everyone arriving.

The umpires on the day were Boyd McCleary and Stuart Slater – who both umpired two matches – Bruce Rendall, Jane Bastock, Alasdair Pepper, John Marlow and Mullenger.

All finalists received a certificate, which were all produced and handwritten by Stuart and Marion Slater.

There was an impressive spread of food – particularly in the cake and bake department – and the Murphy family supplied a large chest of ice.

There were nine finals played on the day, with three matches still to be played.

The 2023 champions are: men’s singles – Andy Lavey, ladies’ singles – Issie Rendall, under-18 singles – Toby Parkins, men’s doubles – Tom Daulton and Andy Davey, ladies’ doubles – Issie Rendall and Jenny Murphy, mixed doubles – Jenny Murphy and Tom Murphy, partners mixed doubles – Emma and Bruce Rendall, super vets ladies’ doubles – Hazel Cox and Maureen Smith, men’s plate singles – Nick Stenning. Sam Dewing won the John Marlow Trophy.

Alison Smallwood