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Ray Horner Tournament - the results!
The Annual General Meeting was held on 16th October, followed by the Ray Horner American tournament
An excellent afternoon was enjoyed by the 12 participants, producing some fine battles and close results. After 12 rounds of mixed doubles tennis involving constant changes of partner and opponent, the results were:
The ladies prize was won by Finella Daywan with 120 points, with Terry/|Roger second and Grace third
For the men, Phil Clark came out as winner on 114, with Richard Biondini close behind on 112, with Peter Milne third.
Exciting play at Tennis Finals
In near-perfect playing conditions, some good performances were seen at the finals of the adults’ competitions recently.
The highlights were two finely balanced matches in the singles competitions when reigning men’s champion Phil Clark eventually overcame Tony McCaugherty and new member Sheena Macaulay defeated the defending ladies’ champion, Finella Daywan.
However, Finella came good in the doubles: in the ladies competition she partnered Triona Tierney to win against Sheena Macaulay and Karen Arnold, this being the ninth time they have won it in succession
In the mixed doubles, Finella and Phil Clark beat Jenny Milne and Alan Munro, also taking the title for the ninth year running.
Tony McCaugherty and Phil Clark playing together retained the men’s doubles title against Alan Munro and Peter Milne.
The results were as follows:
Men’s Singles Phil Clark beat Tony McCaugherty 6-4, 4-6, 7-6.
Ladies’ Singles Sheena Macaulay beat Finella Daywan 6-4, 7-5.
Men’s Doubles Phil Clark & Tony McCaugherty beat Alan Munro & Peter Milne 6-2, 6-3
Ladies’ Doubles Finella Daywan & Triona Tierney beat Sheena Macaulay & Karen Arnold 7-6, 7-6.
Mixed Doubles Finella Daywan & Phil Clark beat Jenny Milne & Alan Munro 6-0, 6-3
The day was well supported by relatives and friends of the competitors and other members of the club. The club chairman, Anne Milne, presented the prizes. All present enjoyed a barbecue and other refreshments.
The men’s singles finalists: Phil Clark (left) and Tony McCaugherty
The ladies’ singles: Sheena Macaulay (left) and Finella Daywan
The ladies’ doubles: from left to right, Sheena Macaulay, Karen Perez, Triona Tierney and Finella Daywan
The men's doubles finalists: from left to right, Alan Munro, Peter Milne, Phil Clark, Tony McCaugherty
The mixed doubles finalists: from left to right, Alan Munro, Jenny Milne, Finella Daywan and Phil Clark
Geoff Higginson joins as new club coach
The club now has a new coach, Geoff Higginson – see the photo below. Geoff writes:
I have been a professional tennis coach for about 10 years.
My love for tennis began when I started playing at Iver Heath in my early 30s. I played for Iver Heath 1st and 2nd teams , but it was as a tennis coach I found my true passion.
Since becoming a coach I have worked with and been inspired by several mentors: Graham Haines, Marion Rogan, Andy Scholfield and Godfrey Johnstone.
I formed Iver Heath School of Tennis in 2009 and have developed strong young players, several of which have gone on to County, Regional and National standard. I have coached at GX, Beaconsfield, Slough ITC, Iver Heath, and just recently Stoke Poges.
I feel very fortunate to be joining a great Club and team at Stoke Poges. I am looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
My immediate plans are to attract new players from the area, build up the membership across the age spectrum and develop the mini tennis and junior programme. This is something that is very important to me, as every club needs a thriving junior section, to survive and progress.
As a coach I have picked up lots of useful tips over the years and I would like to share some with you.
+ If tennis is your passion, be passionate about it
+ Develop your own style
+ Believe in what you do and in yourself
+ Live and breathe your passion
+ Never give up
Geoff can be contacted on 07835 958851 or email
New Club coach Geoff Higginson
Angus' day at Roehampton
One of our most promising juniors recently spent a day at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton for a National talent identification trial. Angus Whittam was one of a group of youngsters aged 9 and under to attend and take part in a series of drills and tests of their abilities and skills, as well as some fun tennis. This is Angus’ second year attending so he is clearly on the LTA radar, so well done Angus.
Angus had a fantastic day and one of the memorable moments was seeing some of the pros around the place including Andy Murray who stopped to pose for the photo below.
Angus and Andy at Roehampton
SPLTC Annual General Meeting
The Club AGM was held on October 3.
There were some important changes to the Committee. Anne Milne takes over as Chairperson from David Claydon who retired from the post after serving for eleven years. Many thanks were given to David for all his hard work and, as a momento, he was presented with a wine decanter and a set of glasses engraved with the Club name.
David Claydon receiving his gift
Karen Perez takes over from David Murphy (also after many years' service) as Treasurer. Hugh Francis is the new Club Captain.
We wish all three good fortune and the support of members in their new roles.