Three titles each for Di and Johan

Cannon-ball serves, cat-like volleys and agile ground strokes were the intention at the Uvongo Tennis Club championships over the past five weeks.

The reality was, however, the real test, with dodgy knees and aching legs, the intention seldom coincided with the reality, except for a select few of course who shall remain nameless.
Nevertheless, sportsmanship, chirping from the spectators and, most of all, the socialising amongst all members (including the lame and lazy) prevailed.

In view of the limited entry, six events were contested all in a round robin format of 11 games per match with the two top scorers playing a final of the best of three sets.

This format ensures that the event is all-inclusive as opposed the the loser only playing one match per event.
The club has been blessed with great weather and limited loadshedding over the past month and a bit.
There was, therefore, no let up for those aching muscles, but nevertheless provided some with the justified excuses.

Johan van Niekerk, who has announced his arrival in the Ugu Tennis Association district with great success, cruised past Nigel Wareing in the men s singles final.
Johan is the perfect example of the ethos of our club, viz. ‘humble in victory, gracious in defeat’.
In the ladies final, Di Digby had to muster all her strength to overpower Lyn Shell.
After a few withdrawals due to injuries and ill health, Dee Algie and Di Digby defeated a persistent combination of Venessa Johnson and Heloise Cloete.

In the men’s doubles, it was a contest between the over 130s and the over 160s.
The youngsters, Duncan Biggar and Johan van Niekerk, eventually beat the super-experienced Ralph Burls and Gules Salottolo.

Some hack complimented the committee on the ever improving youth initiative!
The mixed doubles was a closely contested match with the ever present Johan Van Niekerk’s name appearing once again with his partner Dee Algie.

They defeated Duncan Biggar and Di Digby, the first set being narrowly won by Johan and Dee who then applied the pressure to win the second set comfortably.
For the second year in a row, a drawn doubles handicap event took place with individual entrants being partnered on a strength-for-strength basis, irrespective of gender.

Only one game separated the winners in the round robin event with Nigel Wareing and Di Digby overcoming the stubborn defense of Augustine Tugli and Ken Coleman.
Nigel was the well-deserved winner of the most improved player award and extremely hard-working and dedicated chairman of Uvongo Tennis Club, Ken, the sportsman of the championships.

Tournament director Peter Digby did a remarkable job of steering the ship for the duration of the champs.

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