26/03/18: This year's Ladies final will be a rematch of last year's contest, as the top two seeded pairs both made it through their semi-finals in straight games at Eton yesterday.
Reigning champions Karen Hird and Charlotta Cooley looked in good form as they saw off the challenge of Harriet Asquith and schoolgirl Eloise Carter 12-3, 12-6, 12-4. Harry and Eloise both played well and showed that they deserved their place in the last four, but Karen and Charlotta were simply too quick, too accurate and too consistent, reaching their sixth consecutive semi-final together without any undue alarms.
In the other half of the draw, last year's runners-up Ashley Lumbard and Emily Scoones had a tougher battle on their hands against Elana Osen and former champion Dominique Redmond. The first two games were both nip and tuck for long periods, with Ashley and Emily coming through 12-8, 12-8 thanks to slightly more consistent cutting and a couple of errors at crucial times from Dom and Elana. The third-seeded pair were causing plenty of problems for Ashley and Emily, however, and the third game was theirs for the taking at several times as they established a 7-2 lead, then got to 11 first and then made it 13-11 before squandering a couple of game-winning chances. In the end, though, it was Ashley & Emily who struck the final blow, clinching the game 14-13 and claiming their place in the final.
The final will take place at Eton at 1pm on Sunday 8th April.
K.Hird & C.Cooley beat H.Asquith & E.Carter 3-0 (12-3, 12-6, 12-4)
A.Lumbard & E.Scoones beat D.Redmond & E.Osen 3-0 (12-8, 12-8, 14-13)