We expect to be seeing more of this young man. 18 year old Matthew Staines (ECC) is bidding for his first Men's Singles title. And also for the U21 Singles title, both fianls of which will be held on Finals Night. But he faces some very serious opposition. John Holland (Elmtree) in the semi final of the Men's - John has already won the O50's & O60's Singles and is in the Final of the O'40's. And 14 year old Vytas Rybakas (Elmtree) - the holder - in the U21's.

Matthew (right) is featured here with club mate and Men's Doubles partner David Cole, and they will also be bidding to take the Doubles tiltle on Finals Night.

Now here's face you don't see that often! Usually the very first person to submit his entry to the Tournament, Graham Pryke (Maldon Borough). Graham is one of those dark horses. Playing in Division 6 of the League, but in Division 1 of the Burnham League, where his club have their only team it was perhaps not surprising to see him come through and take the 6Down event, but he was made to fight all the way by 13 year old Greg Green (Hatfield Peverel) to take the title 4,10,4. But the even better achievement was reaching the semi-final of the 4Down Singles where he lost out to the holder Matthew Brown (Writtle). Graham (right) also reached the semi-final of the Handicap Doubles with partner Simon Webber - with whom he is featured in our picture.

Talking of the Handicap Doubles, it can often throw up some very unexpected and unusual pairings. Maybe none more so than 15 year old Steve Clift (left) with club mate Bob Francis (Baddow Village). Now here's the long and short of it, they won the event! beating Richard Hiskey and Bill Smith (Excalibur) in the final 21:15, 21:17. And yes! the Handicap events were mostly still on the 21up scoring system!   

Bidding to retain the Mixed Doubles title David Cole (ECC) and Julie Vansertima (Baddow Village). Julie is also bidding for her 13th Ladies Singles title on Finals Night where she faces Cathy Eakin (Maldon) - the holder. Over the weekend Julie also regained the Ladies Doubles title with partner Jean Chasmer. A title they have won twice together previously.   

Stevie Pell (ECC)        James Gatheral (Danbury)

The Tournament also featured quite a few newcomers especially in the Junior section. particularly great to welcome girls, like 11 year old Stevie Pell (ECC) playing in her first tournament. Others in the Tournament who have made their debut in the CLICK competition this season were 14 year olds Tommy O'Donnell (ECC) and James Gatheral (Danbury) who reached the final of the Junior Handicap Singles. Which James won 12,7,8.

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