If Thursday’s matches theme was Stamina & Resilience Fridays evening’s fare delivered some terrific match play moments in sweltering summer heat.

With a socially distancing balcony in full voice (Rory O’H. and Jimmy M. back in town) we were treated to some terrific matches. First up we needed to complete the Emerson’s Vs Smyth/Grace mixed doubles and to no one’s surprise a final nail biting third set went the way of Siobhan & Gary 6/5 with 3 games separating both teams over three sets and 3 hours of tennis.

Onwards to the 630pm semi’s and on Court four we had the battle of the Architects, Mary O’Donohoe Vs Fionnuala Hayes. While searching for shade during each break they both delivered a classic chess like performance with Mary running out the winner in 2 sets. As compensation Fionnuala has the Ladies Final to look forward to today and one would hope she has hydrated & slept well given her performances & exertions this past two weeks.

One court three the men’s Semi final made most of us on the balcony quite happy to be on the balcony given the running, chasing down and doggedness of what can only be described as ‘Whippet’ like performers that are young Lars Endersen and Ian Brady. A great athletic if not beleric performance by both with Brady marching into the men’s singles final today.

Court two gave us the longest match of the evening with Catherine Holmes taking on the powerful Oilbhe Doyle in a terrific 2 hr and 50 minute marathon. No quarter given and none asked for with both refusing to give an inch. Emergency water had to be delivered between sets not just from players but also for Catherine’s two beautiful kids who sat cheering mum on through every point reporting back to family members by phone at the end of each game. Oilbhe won out in the end and hats off to both competitors.

Court One simply delivered exceptional quality on the night with Paddy Dempsey taking on what some have said was the Men’s single tournament favourite Stephen Tilson. Great highly competitive match play and stroke play was duly delivered with the match hinging on two games in both sets and Dempsey marching on into the final. Winter League selectors have already requested the highlights of this one!

And so onto the handicap Mixed Final with Clan McNichols taking on the two most durable athletes of the tournament Gary Grace and Siobhan Smyth. Lara and Tim arrived on Court looking ready for action and fresh from some great tennis over the last Week. In truth Grace and Smyth looked somewhat knackered after a combined 15 hours of tennis in the recent days. Finals tend to inspire though and Jimmy Casey himself would have been proud of this pairs performance. A superb win against a great pairing with Siobhan & Gary delivering great defensive and shot making skills on the night. Congrats on the big Win 😊.

Your Finals day commences today at ‘High Noon’ with young Butler & Smyth Vs Browne & Grace playing off the Men’s doubles Semi Final followed by the handicap Singles Finals at 1pm the Doubles finals at 3pm and Prize giving and a few nibbles at circa 430.

All Welcome & delighted to report that Sun Hats recommended. The Excitement builds!