Fortified by an excellent lunch from Sue Ecob, CURTC inaugural Finals Day Finalists put on a great show on CURTC’s younger (Blue) Court. First up was the 60+ final between High markus and Richard Bowers. Games were traded until 4-all including one which Richard won in straight points via a Dedans force, a spin back into the Dedans, a double fault and a second spin back. That would have done for me! But Hugh is clearly made of sterner stuff as he went on to win 8-5. Robin Faux and Grattan MacGiffin started the same way in the 50’s Final, but Grattan pulled away to win 8-4 but it looked awfully close at the end. The 40’s proved a true mix of styles and facially expressions (see photos) as Chris Schramm powered his way past Paul Brown who manfully shouldered (kneed?) the mantle of the 40’s knee braces.

The Ladies were next as the 30’s were inquorate and the 20’s were still battling it out on the Green Court. Venetia D’Arcy definitely had her game face on and was not going to be accused of a slow start. Linda Fairbrother, giving away a few decades (but no points as this was a Championship Final) did start a little slowly and soon found herself one set down. The second set was a classic as Linda turned on the gas but Venetia kept winning the crucial points to thwart Linda’s fight back. Exhilarating stuff! By this time, the 20’s had decided on their Finalists but to see how that panned out, you’ll have to read the post below….. Larger versions of the photos in the Collage above…