CURTC held the first rounds of the Ladies Club Championship this weekend. As usual there was a good mix of seniors and students (and one intrepid 10 year old managed to sneak a few matches).

Friday evening’s round was for newer players: Bex Faux played well from the start, hitting the ball low and fast, not allowing Bella Harvey to find her best strokes. Bex won 6-1. Carina Mouritsen then stole victory from Catherine Stewart , 6-5, in an excellent match with many long and hard fought rallies. Bella, having regained her composure and donned a rather fetching bobble hat to combat the hyperborean conditions, twirled around the court to defeat both Catherine and Carina and finished second in the group; quite an achievement for the youngster!

In Saturday morning’s group, first up were Karen Pearce against Victoria Harvey, swapping the lead throughout until, at 7-6 down, Vix saved a match point, then won that game and led in the final game. Vix didn’t look back, maintained her momentum, and won the match. Amanda, the University Team Captain, showed the improvements she had made by pushing Karen in an excellent match but Karen was too consistent, attacking the corners effectively and winning 8-3. Vix started well against Amanda, then Amanda came back and led 7-5. Vix saved a match point again and although utterly exhausted, managed to win 8-7.

Bex earned her spot to take on Linda Fairbrother and Annie Plews in the afternoon group. Bex’s inexperience wasn’t going to hold her back and she showed excellent speed to get to balls after she served but the ball kept coming back in her matches against Annie and Linda; and, whilst Bex won many points she lost 8-0 in both matches. Annie made it clear that she had been working hard on her game this season and, whilst Linda showed why she has dominated this event in previous years by fighting for each point, Annie’s movement and composure kept her ahead throughout the match, Annie won 8-6 to reserve her place against Vix in the final on March 18th.

Whatever happens on March 18th, there will be a new name on the championship board….