Berkhamsted and Townsend win Harris Cups

A large crowd were treated to some scintillating tennis as they bathed in the Autumn sunshine at Berkhamsted LTSRC for the conclusion of this year’s Harris Cup Men’s and Ladies competitions. Named in honour of two of the County’s greatest ever servants to tennis, John and Val Harris, the Harris Cup is the county’s prestigious 2 pair knockout cup event.

The Men’s final saw first time finalists Berkhamsted take full advantage of the fact the finals were being held on home turf and despite an early injury to one of their star players, in the end proved too hot to handle for an excellent Bishop’s Stortford team, running out 3-1 winners.

The Ladies final was an even closer affair between two teams who clearly have bright futures ahead. Townsend and Welwyn had both beaten more fancied opponents on their way to the final and it was easy to see why. The match swung tantalisingly one way then another before Townsend’s superb first pair turned the tables decisively in the second round to claim the trophy for their team by a whisker.  Inseparable on both rubbers and sets, in the end the difference had been just 3 games.

Huge thanks to all four teams for treating the lucky spectators to some superb tennis and to Berkhamsted and its members for being such great hosts.

*Main image: the all conquering Berkhamsted Men’s team being presented with their trophy by Sue Wolstenholme OBE.