ADTTA Handbook 2002-2003
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Season 2001-2002
(by Alison MacBean May 2002)
League
There was only one addition to the league this season with another team from the McClymont – their fourth - bringing the total number of teams to 23 split into divisions of 8, 8 and 7. Unfortunately I am unable to provide accurate details of the winners and runners-up as it is disappointing to report that a significant number of matches remain unplayed.
The first division turned into a battle between the teams from the McClymont with Real McClymont (Nick Baxter, Stuart Matthew, Michael Bruce, Lewis Wilson) unbeaten throughout the campaign so far to remain favourites to claim their fourth successive first division championship, albeit under a different name. McClymont Allstars seem certain to take second position. Seaton Seniors (Jim Furneaux, Abby Birnie, Norman Horne) look likely to clinch the second division title with Triangle Lions their nearest rivals. CS Gassers (Sandy Duncan, Stephen Anderson, Leo Anderson) are making a quick return to the second division as they suffered only one defeat en route to winning the third division with McClymont D securing the second promotion place, just ahead of Seaton Post Office.
Once again a large vote of thanks goes to our sponsors - the Hawthorn Bar, Aberdeen Control and TDC Aberdeen Ltd.
Cup Competitions
At the time of writing and, as far as I am aware, only one of the cup competitions has been decided with McClymont D completing a successful season by capturing the Grampian Trophy. In the final they faced last year’s losing finalists Banchory Pipistrelles and, despite the valiant efforts of Alisdair Harrison who was the most successful player on the night, Jonathon Milne, Greig Matthew and Marc Vidal each won 2 singles apiece and overall registered a 44 point victory.
North Open
Although the Association had collaborated with Dundee for the last 3 years on this event, in view of the substantial loss incurred last season it was decided not to go down the same road this time. However the Committee are hopeful that the tournament will return to Aberdeen later this year as it is one of the few open events still on the STTA calendar which caters for all ages from Minors to Veterans. We would urge local players to demonstrate their support either by entering or offering practical assistance on the day. More details will be announced nearer the time, so watch this space!
North Confined
The Committee decided to proceed with this, despite the low entry which was made up entirely of players from the McClymont and University teams, and the tournament took place on Saturday 16th March. A hectic schedule saw Euan Liddle defeat Lewis Wilson in straight sets to claim the Confined Singles title, then team up with Ross Martin to win the Doubles following a thrilling 5 set victory over Lewis and Nick Baxter. The Watt Cup, open to players outwith the first division, was won by Kris Stuart with team-mate Philip Adams triumphant in the Handicap Singles. Elsewhere, Nicol Craig won the Under 17 Singles, Calum Findlater the Under 14’s and Jonathan Gordon the Under 12’s.
Festival Weekend
A strong contingent of 17 players plus NPC’s Max Singer, Charlie Matthew and Derek Milne made the long journey to Largs for the annual Festival Weekend. Although our teams could not emulate the success of last year in the Interleague event, they still performed well with the Junior Boys winning their category and the Men’s A, Ladies and Cadet Boys all taking second place. Congratulations go to the players involved who are as follows:
Men 'A' – Euan Liddle, Lewis Wilson, Stuart Matthew, David Low
Men ‘B’ – Ross Martin, Nick Baxter, Michael Bruce
Ladies – Gillian Edwards, Stephanie Matthew, Natalie Gallan
Junior Boys – Nicol Craig, Calum Findlater, Kris Stuart
Cadet Boys – Philip Adams, Jonathon Milne, Grant Carnie, Greig Matthew
At the Scottish Closed Championships, Stephanie Matthew lost out to Gillian Edwards in the Ladies Singles final with Nicol Craig runner-up to Gavin Rumgay in the Junior Boys.
And Finally
Once again thanks to my fellow Committee members for their unstinting hard work, enthusiasm and help – with a special mention to Norman Davidson to whom we wish a speedy recovery from his recent illness.
