STC Championship Finals Day, 7th September 2024 report.

Stansted Tennis Club’s annual knockout tournament Finals Day was blessed with perfect weather on Saturday, September 7th, encouraging a strong turnout of spectators for the tennis and the barbecue.

In the Ladies’ Singles Plate, Louise Chalk demonstrated her skill and determination as she beat Cathy Brenner 6-4, 6-2. Despite some long rallies, Louise’s assertive net play led her to triumph.

The Men’s Singles Plate showcased the competitive spirit as doubles partners David Murfitt and Ryan Ackerman faced off against each other. In a close match, David emerged victorious with a score of 6-4, 7-6.

The Ladies’ Singles event featured a repeat of last year’s lineup, except this time, Daphne Lunnon won, beating Sandra Ayres 6-0, 6-4.

Doubles partners James Thorpe and Dan Warwick played in a hard-fought and hard-hitting Men’s Singles contest, with James beating Dan 6-1, 7-5.

The Ladies’ Doubles winners from 2023, Diane Brown and Daphne Lunnon, lost to the new pairing of Chris Bailey and Mel Smyth 7-6, 6-3.

If we thought the Men’s Singles match had been hard-hitting, the Men’s Doubles match took it up another level. 2023 holders Andy and Sam Constantinou, a father-and-son combination, retained their title against James Thorpe and Dan Warwick, 6-4, 6-3.

In the only three-setter of the day, 2023 winners Sandra Ayres and John Stone beat Chris Bailey and Andy Constantinou, 5-7, 6-0, 6-0 in the Mixed Doubles.

The Mixed Plate was won with a walkover by Daphne Lunnon and Michael Wilde.