Tim +4 v Mike -4 Vets Handicap (Summer).
The balcony was treated to a 5-set thriller between Tim and Mike in this summer's vets' handicap final.
The first game was a perfect indication of how closely and competitively the final would play out: Tim getting off the blocks with a series of low forehand winners to go 11-1 up. After settling into his stride, Mike turned the tables in his favour by carefully eliminating unforced errors from his game and pulled it back: 16/14 to Mike.
The second game saw Tim push ahead again in the early points to reach a 11-0 lead. Never write-off Mr Wright when he's behind... once again Mike got into his stride to win 7 points in a row. This time however, Tim closed out the game with excellent late pressure to take it: 15-9 to Tim.
Mike didn't allow Tim to build an early cushion in the 3rd game and fought hard to draw level at 10-all before putting himself ahead again: 15-11 to Mike.
The fourth game seemed like it would be a fast romp to victory for Mike, taking the first 4 points with no reply. Tim, however, had other ideas. The quality and length of rallies improved considerably at this stage of the game, neither player gifting unforced errors to the other. Hard work from Tim brought the scoreline back to 10-5 which proved to be a big enough advantage: 15-11 to Tim.
The fifth game was a see saw, with Tim taking the initail lead 10-2, but Mike making an excellent come back with some deft front court drops and boasts, to bring the game to 11-7. Tim pushed on again with some great short forhand drives to get us to 13-10. Mike harried and fought hard for each point to take it to 14-14, but ultimately Tim was the victor on sudden death. An excellent match of high quality played in good humour.
