Locals dominate Brian Ward tournament

The longest running tennis tournament in South Africa, the Brian Ward tournament at Umhlali Country Club, was a smashing success last weekend.

The tournament was started in the 1980s when it was called the Umhlali Open, and later run for many years by Brian Ward.

The competition was renamed in his honour after his death about 13 years ago.

The tournament is renowned as one of the most prestigious events on the KZN tennis calendar.

This year was no different with the top players from more than 14 clubs squaring off against each other on Saturday.

Men and ladies squared off in doubles matches at both UCC club and Ashton International College courts. Cowies Hill tennis club’s 16 entrants earned them the prize of most represented club in the competition.

Both Delene Buchanan and Maxi Ferrandi did sterling jobs organising all the orders of play, and ensuring the tournament ran smoothly.

Thanks to Waylon Ferrandi for managing the Ashton facilities and still managing to win both his sections with ease.

Mitzi Bateman managed to juggle her tournament director job well, also getting podium spots over both days!

A huge thanks goes out to all the sponsors on the day, and all those who helped.

Results

Ladies Doubles runners up and winners

C section: Runners-up Robyn White and Wendy Johnson.
Winners: Tamerin Gentle and Belinda Wanderwalt.
B Section: Runners-up Kim Heyes and Pippa Hopkins.
Winners: Kayler Hulett and Topsy Hitchcock.
A Section: Runners-up Mitzi Bateman and Sonja Cook.
Winners: Debbie Heron and Judy Goss.

Men’s Doubles runners up and winners

C Section Runners-up: Thinus van Staden and Loyde Robinson.
Winners: Brent Grimsley and Dylan Burzak.
B Section Runners-up: Steve Lockyear and Mark de Voest.
Winners: Laurie Butlin and Des Mayne.
A Section Runners up: Phil Thornhill and Dominic Moreno.
Winners: Waylon Ferrandi and Dan Martin.

Mixed doubles

F section runner up: Thinus van Staden and Lauren Hoatson.
Winners: Pieter Henderson and Kayler Hulett.
E section Runners-up: Charles Lourens and Kim Hayes.
Winners: Chris Green and Tracey April.
D section Runners-up: Yuichi Nishihira and Eryn Beard.
Winners: Bo Maphumulo and Ntokoza Luthuli.
C section Runners-up: Jean Piere Pinaar and Lucy Holmes.
Winners: Wayne Atherstone and Mitzi Bateman.
B section Runners-up: Rob Hoatson and Camilla Hartman.
Winners: Phil Thornhill and Jen Thornhill.
A section Runners-up: Wayne Manning and Debbie Heron.
Winners: Waylon Ferrandi and Maxine Bateman.