The Peter Luck-Hille Cup 2017/8
Final -Wellington College May 27th 2018
THE DEDANISTS' FOUNDATION
of REAL TENNIS
The British U18 Junior Handicap Tournament 2019
Sponsored by The Dedanists' Foundation
The National U18 Handicap Singles Tournament took place at Wellington College over the weekend of 14th/15th December and was sponsored by The Dedanists’ Foundation. There was a very large entry this year including 8 girls and as a result, the very early rounds had to take place on Friday evening. There were large contingents from Wellington and Seacourt but many other clubs were also represented.
The “B” grade event for players with a handicap of over 75 included some excellent matches which resulted in a final between Henry Weekes (RTC) and Fergus Thomson (Wellington). A very close match ended with a win for Henry 6/5.
The “A” Grade for the lower handicap players was just as close. There were many great performances but special mention goes to Max Trueman (Seacourt) who overcame huge handicaps to notch up 3 wins. However, the 4 juniors that progressed to the semi-finals were Alex Machin (Wellington), Toby Barton (Wellington), Ross Morrison (RTC) and Hugo Pennant (Wellington).
Comfortable wins for Toby and Hugo saw them through to a thrilling final. In a one set, first to eight match, Hugo got to 7-5 up before Toby clawed his way back to win 8-7. The trophy was presented by Paul Weaver who is a Dedanists’ Foundation Ambassador and T&RA Director of Junior Tennis.
The Dedanists’ Foundation were delighted with the number of entries and particularly by the high proportion of girls playing. Dan Jones & Adam Player marked superbly throughout and the event was well attended by parents and supporters of the young players.
The British Junior Singles Championships
The Queens Club August 16th-18th 2019
This year for the first time The Dedanists’ Foundation provided some sponsorship to the flagship event of the junior real tennis calendar. A large number of youngsters from many different clubs around the country competed over 3 days in the top junior event of the year. The finals were all held on Sunday 18th in front of a large and knowledgeable crowd of parents and supporters.
The U12 section saw the best final ever played at this level! 8 year old Max Warner (Queens) defeated George Jameson 8/7 in an absolute thriller to become the youngest ever winner of the under 12 title. The U14 final was won by Bertie Vallat (Queens) who defeated Henry Henman (Radley) 6/3 6/2. The U16 final was an all Seacourt affair with James Medlow defeating Max Trueman 6/3 6/3.
The U18 section was dominated by William Flynn in the group stages but in the Final he struggled to maintain his superiority. Unexpectedly William dropped the first set 6/2 to Patrick Smart (Queens) but he then recovered well to win 2/6 6/1 6/0.
The Nat Duncan Trophy and Racket was presented to Henry Henman for outstanding sportsmanship.
Every player that entered received a superb commemorative tennis shirt provided free of charge by the Foundation.
Results
Queen's Club, Sunday 18th August 2019
Under 18 William Flynn (Seacourt) bt Patrick Smart (Queens) 2/6 6/1 6/0
Under 16 James Medlow (Seacourt) bt Max Trueman (Seacourt) 6/3 6/3
Under 14 Bertie Vallat (Queens) bt Henry Henman (Radley) 6/3 6/2
Under 12 Max Warner (Queens) bt George Jameson (Seacourt) 8/7
Girls Plate Finals
Queen's Club, Friday 17th August 2018
Under 14 Final Katie Walker (Seacourt bt Eloise Flynn (Seacourt) 6/2
The Peter Luck-Hille Cup Final 2019
Wellington College Sunday 2nd June
RTC beat Seacourt 5/1
Once again The Dedanists’ Foundation was proud to sponsor the Peter Luck-Hille Cup Competition. The PLH Cup event is an inter-club junior competition specifically for junior players who are below the elite level. It gives them a chance to represent their club in team matches and meet and play against juniors of a similar standard from other clubs.
20 group stage matches had eventually resulted in Seacourt and RTC reaching the final which was held on Sunday 2nd June at the Wellington court. Seacourt were hoping to retain the trophy that they had won the previous year but RTC had other plans! Despite many close matches RTC went on to win the title convincingly 5-1.
After a few wise words from David Mills, The Dedanists Foundation Chairman, the magnificent trophy was presented by Peter Luck-Hille to Ross Morrison the winning RTC captain.
Currently there are 10 clubs entering teams and next year it is proposed to change the format of the competition to a knockout event which will hopefully allow even more club teams to take part.
Ollie Drew (60) vs Olivia Boulton (68) 6/2
Ross Morrison (67.0) vs Barnaby Tambling (67) 6/3
Oli Hampson-Evans (83) vs Liam Ireson (94) 2/6
Ollie Drew & Ross Morrison vs Olivia Boulton & Barnaby Tambling 6/3
Ollie Drew & Oli Hampson-Evans vs Olivia Boulton & Liam Ireson 6/4
Ross Morrison & Oli Hampson-Evans vs Barnaby Tambling & Liam Ireson 6/0
Match Score RTC 5 Seacourt 1
The Smart Grille Project
The Dedanists' Foundation has funded the development of an electronic Grille Board that illuminates when hit by a ball! The "Smart Grille" can be switched on when required and it's objective is to enhance the fun element of junior sessions particularly for those trying out the game for the first time.