Felicity Thomas
By Concetta Knee
The Seniors British Grass Court Championships took place last week at Aorangi Park in the All England Club in Wimbledon. Several members of East Glos Club entered, two of whom were Finalists.
Felicity Thomas won the Over 70’s Doubles title, partnered by Ruth Weston (Surrey).
She lost in the semi-final of the Singles to Fran Maclennan, who went on to win the title. Fran will be her GB captain when they go to Turkey later in the year to play in the World Team Championships.
Most matches are played on the practice courts at Aorangi Park, sited in the main grounds of the All England Club but maintained to the same standard as the main courts. Felicity did have a free day and a friend, who is a member, arranged for her to play on Court 4 – which effectively gives her the freedom of the whole complex, including the changing rooms, dining facilities, etc. After competing there for around 20 years, it is always a special occasion.
Rob Barney (L) with Syl Pearson
Ron Barney, with his partner Syl Pearson from Barton Club in Edinburgh, won the 85 Men’s Doubles, beating the number 1 seeds Guy Foster and Will Collins 7-6, 1-6, 11-9. A hard fought match with Barney and Sylvester coming back from a 4-2 deficit in the match tie-break. Their opponents caught up to 9-9 then a smash down the tramlines clinched it for the East Glos Duo.
Syl travelled down to Cheltenham for a relaxed pre-match practice on the immaculate East Glos grass courts with County players Sheila Agius and Sheila Coutts. This is the third year the pair have played together at Aorangi, the first time in the 85 category, but their opponent Guy Foster has entered for the past 30 years.
Ron is a regular player at East Glos and can be seen serve and volleying and chasing the short ball a few times a week.
East Glos Club 