Tournament Finalists

A Redmond affair - American Tournament

In spite of the unusually cold and wet May even by Fermanagh’s standards, a large crowd turned up to take part in Thursday’s American Tournament. The first match on court set the standard for the evening with a determined effort from Davey Thompson and Hugh Maguire who decisively beat Innes Redmond and Donal Burns. However, from then on, Innes stepped on the gas and never lost another match for the rest of the night. Very fast out of the gate were Aisling Kirby and Bridie McCaffrey who enjoyed a clear victory over Liz Murphy and Ruth Elliot. A warm welcome was extended to Paul Crilly who used to feature regularly at the club as a junior several years ago. Although it took Paul a few games to get into his stride, he and partner Alex Knowles only just lost out to Stephen Kettyles and Hugh Maguire. Stephen’s powerful serve proved a formidable weapon during this match and with the Open Tournament only a week away, it would take a brave man to bet against him lifting one of the main prizes. The infectious enthusiasm of JR Dundas helped to inspire his partner Davy Thompson to a notable victory over the hard hitting Donal Burns and Gerry Mackin. However, the most unlucky competitor of the night was undoubtedly Sheila Colville who enjoyed three clearcut victories in the early stages and looked odds on to qualify for the final. Alas, it was not to be and Sheila’s final match with Paul Crilly proved one match too far and the pair lost out to Dominic Burns and Sonja Hateboer. Both Sonja and Enid Redmond were the only two competitors to win all their matches in the early stages of the competition.

The top two gents and ladies progressed to the final which saw Stephen Kettyles and Enid Redmond taking on Innes Redmond and Sonja Hateboer. The only certainty was that one Redmond would be going home happy. But which one? The crowd didn’t have long to find out, with the wily Innes and Sonja deservedly taking the spoils.

A hot supper was provided by Sonja, and it proved (if proof were needed) that her talents extend far beyond the tennis court. All competitors will now be looking forward to the week ahead at the West of Ulster Championships at Enniskillen supported by Fermanagh District Council.