TEENAGERS triumphed in the men's and ladies' singles events as the Greenock and District tennis finals came to a conclusion on Saturday at Ardgowan Tennis Club.

Men's singles winner Robin Gerrard. Photo by Ashley Baxter

The men’s singles final saw a new champion this year. Robin Gerrard faced Craig Williams in a highly competitive match. In the first set Craig raced ahead taking the first four games with ease. However Robin fought back winning the next six games and first set. The second set saw 18-year-old Robin hold his composure as Craig raised his game trying relentlessly to get back into the match. Both competitors played to a high tempo, matching each other with power and accurate groundstrokes. However Robin held his nerve and took the second set by six games to love securing his first Greenock and District Men’s singles title.

Ladies' Singles winner, 14-year-old Anna Daisley. Photo by Ashley Baxter

The ladies’ singles final this year saw mother and daughter Allison and Anna Daisley compete against each other for the title. The much more experienced Allison and former holder of the title battled from the baseline as she returned  many of the powerful shots her young opponent presented her with. Trying to take the momentum, Allison’s game plan changed as she took the net position and made some fine volleys but her tactics couldn’t turn the game around as she was overpowered by her talented 14-year-old daughter losing out by two sets to love, 6-0 6-1.

The men’s doubles final was contested by Ardgowan’s Callum  Gerrard partnered by son Robin against Fort Matilda pair Craig Brown and Alan Clark. The first set saw Craig and Alan break service in the first set to take that by six games to four. In the second set Craig and Alan kept the pressure on and secured it and the title by six games to two.

In the ladies’ doubles final, Bishopton pair Evelyn McFarlane and Barbara Reid played agains Fort Matilda holders of the title Allison Daisley and Fiona Riddell. The first set was very close with the Fort pair taking it by 7 games to 5. The next set was also very close and was played through adverse weather conditions. Allison and Fiona took that and retained their title.

The veteran men’s singles title went to Bishopton’s Brian Knox who beat  Ardgowan’s Callum Gerrard. The men’s shield final was won by Callum Gerrard who beat Bishopton’s  Mark Smith. The mixed doubles title was won by Robin Gerrard  and Anna Daisley who swept aside Brian Knox and Evelyn McFarlane taking the match  6-0 6-1. The veteran men’s doubles title went to Fraser Erskine and Stevie Owens who beat Allan Clark and Alan Stewart

Calum Roberts who won the Under-18 Boys' final. Photo by Ashley Baxter

The boys’ under-18 final saw Ardgowan’s Mark Higgins and Fort Matilda’s Calum Roberts  face each  other in the final. Both players are very talented and keen tennis players. The first set went to Mark as he powered to a great start, taking it by 6 games to 1. However Calum  found his form and produced his best tennis taking the next two sets 6-2 6-2 and the title.

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Final results

Boys, Under-18
Calum Roberts (Fort Matilda) bt Mark Higgins (Ardgowan) 1-6 6-2 6-2

Men’s Shield
Calum Gerrard (Ardgowan) bt Mark Smith (Bishopton) 6-4 6-3

Men’s Veteran Singles
Brian Knox (Bishopton) bt Callum Gerrard (Ardgowan) 6-3 6-3

Ladies’ Doubles
Allison Daisley and Fiona Riddell (both Fort Matilda) bt Evelyn McFarlane and Barbara Reid (Bishopton) 7-5 6-3

Mens’ Doubles
Craig Brown and Alan Clark (both Fort Matilda) bt Callum and Robin Gerrard (both Ardgowan)  6-4 6-2

Mixed Doubles
Robin Gerrard (Ardgowan) and Anna Daisley (Fort Matilda) bt Brian Knox and Evelyn McFarlane (Bishopton) 6-0, 6-1.

Veterans Men’s Doubles
Fraser Erskine and Stevie Owens (both Matilda) bt Alan Clark and Alan Stewart (both Fort Matilda) 3-6 6-2 10-8

Veterans’ Mixed Doubles
Brian Knox and Evelyn McFarlane (both Bishopton) bt Callum Gerrard (Ardgowan) and Diane Fung (Kilmacolm)  7-6  3-6 10-8

Ladies’ Singles
Anna Daisley (Fort Matilda) bt Allison Daisley (Fort Matilda) 6-0 6-1

Men’s Singles
Robin Gerrard (Ardgowan) bt Craig Williams (Ardgowan) 6-4 6-0

Thanks to Provost Robert  Moran  who presented  the prizes  and to Agnes Dunlop and Ardgowan  for hospitality.

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