Well what a year for this tournament in terms of attendance from players, support from members, sponsors and, capped with perfect weather.
Firstly, a huge thanks to our membership for allowing this tournament to run for the thirteenth year. We recognise that this results in limited court availability, particularly during the early part of the week. However, this sacrifice is hugely appreciated by both LTA Tournament Director, Richard Joyner and players alike. Our event remains the “stand out tournament” of the calendar.
This year for the second time we have been ably supported by the Members of Sutton Highfields Tennis & Pétanque Club who provide access to all four of their courts during the week, to provide us the capacity to run the Junior Grade 3 Tournament in parallel to the British Tour. This year we were so pleased to see a number of their committee join us on Finals Day and to be able to thank them in person for their support.
This is the 7th year that Boadicea the Victorious agreed to be our lead sponsor. Many thanks to all of our sponsors for their generous support this year. Namely, Boadicea our lead sponsor, Arraco Global Markets Ltd, NewFi Ltd, Carslberg Marston’s, David Beckman & Co Ltd along with generous donations from Barry Smythe, Wendy Ferrell & Pat Webster.
The week was well supported by more spectators than we have seen in any previous year. This resulted in our Bar / Catering takings being up over 50% on 2022 levels. To achieve this, many of our Bar / Catering team put in long hours each day over the course of the week. A huge thanks to all of our staff, including the invisible Antonio in the kitchen, Kerry, Danielle, Georgia, Zak, Jen, Zuley, Josh & Sue.
This year, Chris Pike agreed to be our “Mr Fix It” and primary point of contact for our Tournament referees, Tim Pearce & Alison Battista. Throughout the week Chris was always here dealing with many operational issues as they arose and in those quieter moments supporting our Bar Team. Thank you, Chris.
Finals Day
A scorching hot day opened at 9am with a series of junior events unfolding on courts 4-9. By incorporating the older age groups on the Saturday it drew them more into the sphere of prime-time Boadicea British Tour & incorporated them in the Presentation Ceremony.
The Boadicea British Tour Ladies was won by Alicia Dudeney who defeated Amelia Rajecki 6-3 7-6.
Sean Hodkin defeated Louis Bowden in the Boadicea British Tour Men’s event 6-4 6-0.
Both Mens & Ladies Doubles were won by Club members with Alex Jhun & Brandon Murphy defeating Sean Hodkin & Adam Jones 5-7 6-3 (11-9). A remarkable hat-trick for the Sutton Men who have won this doubles for the past 3 years. Congratulations guys.
Our Ladies team of Dani Hack & Sally Pethybridge defeated Francesca Davies & Paulina Jurkowska 6-3 6-4. Both Dani and Sally were instrumental in keeping Surrey in Group 1 this year.
The mixed doubles final was won by Billy Blades & Sally Pethybridge who defeated Mathew Howse & Lauren Prince 6-2 6-2.
A special mention to Sutton Tennis & Squash Club member, Jack Ennis, who won the 8U junior competition and came runner up in the 9U’s.
The evening unfolded where many Club members gathered on the patio and shared a drink with Nicky Beable & her boyfriend Mark who will be departing for Bournemouth in the near future. Nicky has been active in Squash & Tennis over many years and remains highly active within the Club. We wish them both a fond farewell.
Boadicea were represented by Faye Wilson who conducted the primary presentations and Gillian Blore from Aracco also presented prizes.
Finally, please remember this event is organised each year by the Tournament Committee, chaired by Steve Tiddy. Steve’s dedication to the role, as with everything to do with tennis is unrelenting. This year the Tournament Committee included Steve Tiddy, Steve Lewis, Jason Smythe, Chris Pike, Kerry Bell, Laura Payne and Paul Waton representing Sutton Highfields.
Many thanks to all.
Peter Ward
CHAIR
STSC CIO