MERVYN WINSLOW AMERICAN TOURNAMENT 2008

Ruth and Hugh receive their prize

This eagerly anticipated event recently took place at the Enniskillen Tennis Club. As usual there was a large turnout of both seasoned campaigners and budding beginners. The early exchanges saw fine victories for Glen Mowat and Alan Reynolds in their match over the rather subdued pairing of Donal Burns and Conor "B" MacMahon and then for Hazel Dineen and new comer Ruth Elliott over Rod McCreesh and Carol Livingstone. Skipper Ruth Armstrong, fresh from her success in leading her team to runners up spot in the "C" league also got off to a flyer with two big wins early on. Leonie Madigan was also picking up the points as was the big serving Stephen Kettyles however it was the usual suspect Hugh Maguire who loomed large in the foreground, background in fact everywhere on the court. Hugh once again proved his credentials as he secured his place in the final, this time partnering Ruth Armstrong against the untested pairing of young Glen Mowat and rookie Ruth Elliott. In a well contested and good humoured final, Hugh and skipper Ruth just proved too strong for the young guns.

Mrs Winslow presented the triumphant duo with a beautiful cut glass bowl before everyone was given the opportunity to watch Stephen Kettyle's highly acclaimed DVD of the history of the tennis club. The evening was rounded off by Mrs Winslow giving us another reminder of the club's colourful history and her thoughts on the late Norah Taylor, who she described as Enniskillen's finest player. She also shared memories of her late husband Mervyn and his long association with the Enniskillen Lawn Tennis Club.

Again a big thank you to Mrs Winslow for her continuing support to the club and also a special word of thanks to Mrs Susan Keys who provided a splendid curry feast for everyone on the night.