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Final of the Donnelly Bros Autumn League

The Beetles V's The Freewheelers? One would be forgiven for thinking this was a throw back to a 60's Battle of The Bands. Lots of harmony on show last Wednesday but the guitars were replaced with racquets as Clive Bruce's heroes faced Mary Griffen's table toppers. Earlier in the week Mary's team had beaten Dominic Burn's Golfs by ten points to maintain their unbeaten run while the 7.00 pm fixture saw Clive's squad bring down the Passats by a similar margin. And so, true to form, the final featured Monday's top players The Beetles and Wednesday's best The Freewheelers.

On Court One Beetles' Christopher Cieplucha and Paul Lendrum both substitutes (Christian Davies & Clive Bruce) got off to a flying start against Danny Redmond and Ken "the Wall" Newman and though this one finished 7/5 in favour of the Beetles the Freewheelers did worry the favourites in the early stages. In the second of the mens doubles matches Beetles Cormac Jordan and Kevin Burns were two strong for an in form Garth Armstrong and wily substitute Cyril Boyd (Richard Greenaway). Boyd and Armstrong were strond in the rallies but Jordan and Burns showed why they have such big reputations around the net and soon snuffed out their opponents' challenge. This one finished 7/5.

Keeping the Freewheelers in touch were Bernie Cornyn and Ruth Armstrong. Stepping up to a number two spot brought the best out of Ruth this Autumn and Wednesday's final was no exception. Opponents Moira Mc Adam and Michelle Kennedy have had a very impressive campaign but Bernie and Ruth weren't giving this one up without a fight. Another 7/5 win, this time to The Freewheelers. On Court Four Leonie Madigan and Jayne Armstrong were in peak form for the Beetles as they dealt with the threat of Mary Griffen and Fiona Mc Clintock. Both Jayne and Leonie have staked a claim for a higher seeding next time as a result of their performances in this league. Despite some impressive tennis from Mary and Fiona it was the Beetles pairing that ran out 9/3 winners.

Everything to play for at the half way stage with The Beetles ahead by just 8 games. Court One's match between Christopher & Moira and Danny & Bernie was a real ding-dong battle. Danny and Bernie had the advantage of having played regularly together but both their opponents are nothing if not competitive and soon found their rhythm winning by the narrowest of margins, 7/5. First blood to the Beetles. On Court Two the Freewheelers edged closer with a win for The Wall and Ruth over Paul and Michelle. Ruth had already laid down marker in the ladies doubles and with Ken playing like only he can it was virtually impossible for Paul and Michelle to get into the match. Despite some splendid tennis and many deuce games Ken and Ruth finished with a 9/3 win. It was not to be for the Freewheelers despite this glimmer of hope. Jordan and Madigan were in scintillating form on Court Three as they overcame the strong pairing of Griffin and Boyd. Cyril reknowned for his slicing forehand and Mary with her excellent net play never really got into their stride as Leonie and Cormac more than matched their opponents in all aspects, running out 9/3 winners. Kevin Burns when playing well could give anyone a run for their money. Add a little on-form Jayne Armstrong and you have it.... Mission Impossible! So it proved for Fiona and Garth who despite some typically long rallies could not break the resolve of this strong pairing.

A satellite link was quickly established to absentee captain Clive Bruce who congratulated his winning Beetles from the comfort of the Horse and Hound, Bristol. Not to be outdone Linda Corrigan treated spectators and competitors alike to some wonderful mulled wine and mince pies. Club Secretary and Competition organiser Bernie Hall drew the night to close with a big thank you to all concerned particularly League sponsors Donnelly Bros.