In early October the immaculate surface of the grass courts at Rye Tennis Club will be ripped up as the grass season ends and preparation, including re-seeding, begins ready for their re-opening in the Spring of 2023. While it would be perfect to have these courts in use for longer each year, the surface is, by its nature, a delicate one and the care and work that goes into its maintenance shows in the reputation the club has for producing some of the best grass courts in the country.
To mark the end of a momentous centenary season, a final doubles tournament was held last Saturday, September 17.
The event took the form of a round robin so that all pairs played each other and, because of the variety of abilities within the club, was divided into two groups according to individual expertise.
This arrangement resulted in some exciting matches and several hard-fought battles, between evenly matched pairs with many changes of fortune as each game progressed. Played with good spirit and helped by fine weather, the tournament provided a fitting official end to the grass court year.
The eventual winners of their respective groups were David Drayson partnered with Steve Allen and Rupert Parkes partnered with Amy Maynard.
The courts remain available for casual play until the renewal process starts, but tennis will continue to be played throughout the year on the recently resurfaced all-weather courts.
Image Credits: Frances Candy .