Laura Feely travelled to Manchester last week to compete in the Under 18s Grade 3 event and the ladies open. In the first round of the 18s Laura beat Rebecca Griffiths comfortably 6/0, 6/2. In quarter finals she played number one seed Danielle Pym, played a strong game and took the match 6/4 6/0. In the semi finals she played Bethan Taylor, which proved a tougher test losing the first set 2/6, she battled her way back to take the second set 6/3. In the championship tiebreak. from 2-6 down Laura held her nerve to come back and win the tiebreak and the match 11-9. In the final, Laura played Phillipa Fulchini and dominating the match, never let her opponent in and quickly won 6/1 6/0.. Laura was seeded in the Ladies with a first round bye and then played Claire Wallace in the semi final where she proved too strong for her opponent and quickly took the match 6/1 6/2. In the final Laura played Yuki Yanai, again Laura played exceptionally well to win and take the ladies title 6/1 6/1 and round off a great week of tennis with some great rating wins. Laura would like to thank Isle of Man Sports Aid and PPP for the support and Albany for use of courts for training. The monthly Club Night and BBQ last week, with 20 or so players using all four courts was very enjoyable. One surprise guest player was former club coach Colin Hanbidge, back on the island for a few days. The food arranged by Shelby and Clare was enjoyed and play continued under lights till almost 10pm. The date for the next club night with food will be on Tuesday 6th September. The BBQ will be fired up from 6.30pm. Food will be supplied for a small donation to the Club’s Development Fund or you can bring your own burgers, sausages etc. Sadly there was no third veterans title for Alastair Montgomery. Partnered by Phil Bannan in the men’s over 55 doubles, they lost 4/6 6/7 to the canny pair of Colin Brown/Norman Lewis (Castletown). Even so two titles is a great achievement for the Veteran Championships are very competitive. We just need to get the 35 – 45 age group to take up the challenge next year. Presidents Day Mixed Doubles – closing date is Tuesday August 30. Entry forms are in the clubhouse or I can e-mail one to any member interested in taking part in this social/competitive event. Entry fee is ?6, which includes a tasty buffet. The trophy is the splendid En Tout Cas Shield and there will be prizes for winners, runners-up and losing semi-finalists. ENDS