A record number of entrants ensured a thrilling time at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) affiliated 24th Milford Tennis and Squash Club Seniors Tennis Tournament

A week of sparkling weather accompanied all competitors at the 24th Milford Tennis and Squash Club Seniors Tennis Tournament.

This year saw a record entry of 161 players and 155 matches from all parts of the south who played in singles and doubles competitions across multiple age groups.

From a big entry in the Mixed Doubles 60 event, Jane Langstaff and Gill Young from Swanage and Bournemouth Gardens beat Judy Slaney and Jane Timmis. Langstaff also went on to win the Mixed Doubles 45 event with Swanage partner Mike Muir.

A strong entry in many of the singles events saw Gary Stanford beat Dorset player Giles Cooper in the 55 event, while Nicolae Chirila from Harrow & Weald won the Men’s 50 event.

The Ladies 55 event was also very competitive, with Linda Jones from Ventnor prevailing over Jenny Hughes from Hampden Park Tennis Club.

The inaugural Men’s 70 singles saw a large entry, with William Herlihy from Riverside defeating Malcolm McPhail from East Dorset.

Neil Abercrombie from West Hants saw double success, playing with Liz Davies in the Mixed 60 event and Martin Tinker in the equivalent Men’s event.

Kirsty Holmes and Cleo Skilton from Southbourne were the winners of the Women’s Doubles 45 event, and this year saw Milford Club coach Daniel Hitchens back on the rostrum with partner Nick Mills in the Men’s Doubles 45s.

Further local success saw Alan Gordon partner with the ever-reliable Rennie Johnston to win the Men’s Doubles 70s, while Veronica Higgins and Sue Keywood completed the local club success with victory in the Ladies 70 event.

Martin Scott presented prizes from tournament co-sponsors Hayward Fox, and the club is grateful for the continuing sponsorship from them along with Moore Barlow and Solent House Dental Centre.

The tournament has achieved a positive reputation over the years for its friendly atmosphere and good organisation. Thanks to all the club volunteers who freely gave their time during the week and to The Trough for catering. The tournament brings a considerable number of visitors to the town for the week.

The provisional dates for next year’s tournament are the 13th to the 17th of April.