This year we had new champions win the doubles and singles titles at the Ladies N/nationals, writes organiser Alex Steel. The competition was dominated by several girls from Rugby, Rossall and Eastbourne, as well as a few members of their staff.
The competition started with the doubles, where all ladies played with great enthusiasm. The semi finals were very enjoyable matches played by the well trained partnership of Kathleen Briednhamm and Tessa Mills who came up against Milly Richards and Kate Broad from Rugby. The other match was between Liz Tilley and Dani Black who faced Chessie Ruffell and Hannah Hawkesley. The matches were well played by the Rugby girls containing high quality rallies. The final score was 15-2 to Kathleen and Tessa and 15-11 to Chessie and Hannah putting both couples through to the final.
Kathleen and Tessa made an experienced and strong pair who showed strong hitting and good movement around the court during the day. Chessie and Hannah showed great tenacity throughout the doubles final, relentless with their returns and energy, it is however unfortunate that the scores did not match their efforts. Kathleen and Tessa knew how to hit the winners and won both games 15-0 and 15-3. The Doubles Plate was also an interesting mix of girls from Rossall and Rugby. Two unknown players Maddy Raynor and Kate Shilinia from Rossall, played extremely well together and went on to win the Plate.
The Singles competition was exciting as the doubles with all ladies showing great effort and skill. The singles was a knock-out round with all girls playing 1 game to 15. The semi-finals were fought between Tessa and Maddy (Eastbourne and Rossall) and Kathleen and Milly Richards (Eastbourne and Rugby). The former game was extremely well matched with both girls showing good power in their shots and demonstrating similar styles. It was a thoroughly exhausting game with the end result going to Tessa 15-10. Milly played well against Kathleen however Kathleen's experience won out in the end and took the game 15-0.
Much to our surprise the singles final was between two great friends and Fives partners Kathleen and Tessa. It was an excellent match to watch as both girls tried to bring their experience to the game to win the points. Both girls being very well matched, points were hard to win as long rallies dominated the game. However Tessa hit some amazing back wall shots in the second game indicating the need for a third game but kathleen was relentless in her hitting and eventually won both games 15-9. A well deserved winner.
It was wonderful to see such talented young girls show so much enjoyment in the game and I hope they really train hard to participate in further competitions.
RESULTS
Singles
1st Round: Hannah bt Dani 15-9; Chessie bt Emily 15-0; Maddy bt Kate Br 15-3; Milly Br bt Kate 15-2; Milly R bt Liz 15-13; Eliza bt Jodie 15-3
Quarter-finals: Tessa Mills bt Hannah 15-4; Maddy bt Chessie 15-3; Kathleen Briedenhann bt Milly Br 15-0; Milly R bt Eliza 15-13
Semi-finals: Tessa bt Maddy 15-10; Kathleen bt Milly R 15-0
Final: Kathleen bt Tessa 15-9, 15-9
Doubles
Round-robin: Kathleen & Tessa bt Chessie & Hannah 15-6, bt Millie & Eliza 15-2, bt Kate & Maddy 15-1; Chessie & Hannah bt Millie & Eliza 15-3, bt Kate & Maddy 15-6; Millie & eliza lost to Kate & Maddy 7-15
Results: 1st Kathleen & Tessa, 2nd Chessie & Hannah, 3rd Kate & Maddy, 4th Millie & Eliza
Final: Kathleen & Tessa bt Chessie & Hannah 15-0, 15-3