Field Trophy Final
The Field Trophy final was once again held at Moreton with Jesmond Dene and Leamington taking centre stage. Leamington have, this year, assembled an extremely strong team that, on the evidence of the Field Trophy Final, will push the big three metropolitan teams next year. A 5/0 score line masks the fact that Jesmond Dene put up some feisty resistance throughout the day.
Their 2nd Doubles pair of Felix White and Ollie Taylor seemed to have surprised themselves by going a set up 6/4 against Chris Kroeger and James Coyne but their defiance faded as the Leamington pair played more consistently to mop up the next two sets 6/1, 6/3
Robert Shenkman is one of the top 4 amateurs in the country and displayed his quality of stroke in a 6/0, 6/0 victory against Paul Hetherington. Robert’s place in the post-match dinner depended on a clean sweep and sadly Paul disappointed the dedans when on one occasion being advantage up!
In the third singles tie, young Alex Dyter put up a spirited performance against Leamington captain Freddie Dixon who, after squeezing through to a 6/5 first set win, had fewer problems in the second set.
In the dead rubbers, Ollie Martyn- Hemphill looks an exciting prospect, taking Tom Seymour Mead to three sets having taken the first 6/5. However, Tom’s experience and determination and quality shone through in relatively easy 6/1, 6/2 set wins.
In the first doubles match Julian Snow and Rob Stewart were far too strong for John Duns and Richard Macalister – former World Championship contender Julian has lost none of his skills even if years of play has left his hips and knees in need of rejuvenation.
It was a most enjoyable and sociable day with many thanks to James Simpson and Pol Roger for their most generous sponsorship and Tom Granville for marking and master minding the day.
Good luck to both teams in next year’s Pol Roger wher they may face Moreton.