PICTURES: Ace day at Rothiemurchus and Aviemore Tennis club despite late downpours
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Two familiar faces powered their way to wins in the men’s and ladies singles titles at Rothiemurchus and Aviemore Tennis Club at the weekend.
Angus Harrold and Eve Wilkinson, who have both been regular winners in the past, secured the trophies once again at the Inverdruie courts on Sunday.
They managed to avoid the downpours unlike those who contested the latter club finals when the heavens opened mid-afternoon.
There were also some very long three-set matches most notably the plates ladies doubles and the mixed pairs which was at least able to conclude in the covered court.
Harrold defeated his younger opponent Marcus Alliod with the former’s consistency and weight of ball being key to victory.
The 6-0 6-0 win was scant reward for the energetic Alliod, who had just turned 17 the previous day, and who has made great strides in the past 12 months with his game.
Harrold, (21), from Nethy Bridge and now a student at Strathclyde University. said afterwards: “There were some tough moments and the courts were quite damp underfoot but I just had to get on with it.”
He started out in the game aged five and is one of the strongest players in the Highlands league when studies and secondments allow – he missed a big chunk of this past season with a careers placement in Denmark.
The previous summer he was coaching tennis in the United States. He said: “I got to hit with some really good juniors and coaches – guys who were Davis Cup level.”
Harrold has been playing whilst at university with Western Tennis Club in Glasgow. Alliod said afterwards: “I enjoyed it but there was a big skill gap. There is room for improvement and hopefully Angus will be away at uni next year!
“His forehand is very strong and his serve has a huge kick which makes getting the ball back very difficult.”
One of the most gruelling matches of the day was the plate’s ladies doubles which lasted for two-and-a-half hours. In the end LJ Fishpool and Sheila Lowther somehow managed to prevail against Lorna McKenna and Moira Webster after starring defeat in the face.
The Aviemore pair were 5-0 in the third set but went on to show real grit to win 7-5 and claim victory.
Webster said: “It was a close game with lots of good rallies. Hopefully we gave the spectators some enjoyment.”
McKenna joked: “We were expecting it to be 6-0 6-0 so we were pleased with our performance.”
Ross Coulter and Owen Caldwell also did well to prevail in another long match in the plate. “It was a bit of an epic – a good battle,” said a delighted Coulter after winning 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 in the men’s doubles with his new partner.
In her capacity as club chairwoman, McKenna said: “There were some excellent matches which were very well supported.
“Unfortunately the weather did deteriorate but the play went on.”
The club is also on the look out for photos of the club and players over the years to mark the forthcoming centenary. Any with pictures can send them or contact Yvonne Birnie by email at wybirnie@gmail.com
Rothiemurchus & Aviemore Tennis Club champ results:
Ladies’ singles: Eve Wilkinson bt Sarah Williamson 6-3, 6-1. Men’s singles: Angus Harold bt Marcus Alliod 6-0 6-0.
Ladies' doubles: Helen Peebles & Marjory Deans bt Sarah Williamson & Marlene Tainsh 6-1 6-2 Men’s doubles: Gavin Musgrove & Dougie Somerville bt Emil Mirossay & Nick Morgan 6-4 6-4.
Mixed doubles: Walter Cruickshank & Eve Wilkinson bt Colin Ramsay & LJ Fishpool 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
Plate events:
Men’s singles: Gavin Musgrove bt Shaun McIntyre 6-0 6-0. Men’s doubles: Ross Coulter & Owen Caldwell bt Shaun McIntyre & John Love 7-6, 3-6, 6-2.
Ladies’ doubles: LJ Fishpool & Sheila Lowther bt Lorna McKenna & Moira Webster 6-3, 6-7, 7-5. Mixed doubles: Kim Beattie & Colin Campbell bt Heather Sim & Nick Morgan 6-0, 5-7, 7-5.
