🏆 Finals Day Report 🏆

This year’s Finals Day was MCS at its best. We had sunshine, wonderful competitive tennis and fantastic spectators who created an amazing atmosphere.

It was sunny and hot. Very hot. The hottest day of the year! The finalists excitedly took to the courts looking for their moment of glory, their athletic bodies “glistening” in the sunlight… mainly due to the copious amounts of sunscreen applied to cope with the +30 degree heat.

Mens’ Singles Champion: Ben beat Luke (6-4,6-1)

Only a few years separate Luke and Ben Meredith, and their powerful topspin rallies, diving volleys, and blistering serves really reflected this. Ben won in two closely fought sets.

Ladies’ Singles Champion: Leila beat Ali (6-4, 6-1)

There are a few (ahem) years, between our ladies' finalists Leila and Ali. Ali has been virtually unbeaten in the last few years, but could Leila’s youthful ambition and superb technique lead her to victory? There were many long rallies and plenty of deuces; it was a tough contest, but in the end, Leila won in two.

Men's Doubles: Luke & James B beat Steve & James P (6-2, 3-6, 6-3)

Someone turned the heating up for the afternoon matches. The men’s doubles again featured a Meredith and a James on either side: Steve (aka “the daddy”) and James P vs. Luke and James B. The family competitiveness was obvious throughout the match, with loud celebrations of winners and exclamations on losing shots (some X-rated!). It was a three-set epic with Luke and James taking the first set, Steve and James P storming back to win the second, only for Luke and James to play composed tennis to take the third and the title.

Ladies’ Doubles: Leila & Ali beat Helen & Bella (4-6, 6-2, 6-4)

The Ladies' final was a quieter but equally hard-fought affair. Leila and Ali made up after their singles contest and then, fuelled by their MCS burgers, teamed up against the dynamic Bella and Helen (we won’t mention the team nickname they gave themselves!). Bella and Helen caused a bit of upset by taking the first set, which prompted Leila and Ali to raise the level to take the second set. So into a deciding set, and it was still getting hotter, which Leila and Ali took to win the title.

Mixed Doubles: Emil & Ali beat Helen and James P (6-3, 5-7, 6-1)

With the crowd dwindling somewhat but the temperatures still in the high 20s, our last final commenced…Mixed Doubles…Helen & James P v Ali & Emil. Emil, playing in his first final of the day, was fresh but also provided spectators with a showcase of really beautiful and skilful tennis. Emil & Ali played well and took the first set and were looking good in the second when Helen and James found another gear and came back to snatch the second. Then Emil & Ali took the third in the twilight to claim the match and end the most magnificent of MCS days.

Volunteers

These things didn’t happen by accident; there was a brilliant team of volunteers who generously gave their time to help prepare for and run the day, ensuring that everything ran smoothly.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped. In no particular order… Our umpires David, Duncan and Sue M. Chris our official photographer (full album to come soon!). Ian and Catriona on the BBQ, including cashier and gherkin duties. Hi-vis Alice and Vince on car park duties. David for presenting the trophies. Jeff for overseeing the snack and bar. Pat for making sure we had the essentials: tea, coffee and loo roll. Shelia for risk assessment and grounds. The Friday night setup squad of Ade, Kim, husbands Chris & Jon plus Ade & Bella’s nieces for their Friday night labours getting everything ready and assembling BBQs and gazebos. Last but not least Jackie for sorting engraving and Ann for arranging board painting.

A special thank you to Chris, who has spent hours at his laptop, whittling down 1,400 photos to a highlights reel to share with you all. Click here to view the highlights album. Please feel free to add any photos you took and would like to share.

Huge thanks to the players, who dodged the rainy summer to get the earlier rounds completed and then provided wonderful entertainment on a scorching day.

Last but not least, a huge thank you to the many spectators for coming along and making the day so special for us all. Not to mention eating and drinking lots to help raise funds for our new floodlights… it was a tough job, but you all rose to the challenge wonderfully. Thank you 🙏

See you all again next year!

Ali, Helen & Bella