PGSM Family Tennis Tournament delivers friendly competition and sunshine

On Sunday 19 April, 100 participants took part in the annual PGSM Tennis Tournament, competing for the competitive doubles Riley Cup, ‘Rusty Racquets’ Gray Cup and social doubles Wright Cup. Pupils were partnered with parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, godparents and friends, creating a wonderfully social and competitive day of tennis. Beautiful April sunshine added extra sparkle to the event, with perfect conditions bringing out the very best in everyone’s play.

Across all 20 courts, the three competitions began simultaneously, with the Riley Cup (competitive doubles) played on the hard and clay courts, and the Gray (Rusty Racquets) and Wright (social doubles) Cups on the astro. It was a spectacular sight to see all courts in action at once.

The group stages were keenly contested and, at times, nail-bitingly close, with last year’s Riley Cup runner-up even facing a deciding point to determine their progression into the knock-out tiers.

After a couple of hours of play, the group stages concluded and pairings were reorganised into appropriate tiers, with group winners and placings progressing into semi-finals and beyond.

As the afternoon continued, matches finished one by one and the crowds grew as people congregated to watch the finals of the three competitions. The standard of tennis throughout the day was exceptionally high, with both pupils and parents demonstrating impressive skill, determination and teamwork.

With so many names put forward for various prizes, it was hard to select the winners. However, a couple of people stood out and won a little a prize or two. Amelia S (MIV) celebrated her first ever win at the event alongside her mother, reflecting her strong progress throughout the year. It was lovely to see her rewards for all her efforts.

‘Pupil’s Partner of the Day’ went to Valerie, who made the Gray Cup Tier 2 finals with her granddaughter, Nancy.

Finally, Hannah won the ‘Good Egg Award’ for more than one reason. Not only did she compete with great spirit, determination, skill and tenacity, but she also got given a good egg on the head after her daughter ‘accidently’ hit her on the head with a tennis ball.

Onto the winners and runners-up of each main category, after being so fiercely battled out for on the courts.

In the Wright Cup, Eliza H and Charlie claimed the title, with Honor P and Johnny finishing as close runners-up.

The Rusty Racquets Gray Cup produced the most closely fought final yet, with Isabella S and Nick pushing eventual winners Honor C and Edward all the way, before a 6–5 victory and narrow tie-break decided the result.

In the prestigious Riley Cup, Florence F and Alex impressed throughout the group stages and semi-finals, but the final saw Cecily A-G and Hugo deliver a composed and skilful performance to secure the title. This marked Cecily’s second consecutive Riley Cup victory – setting the question for next year: can anyone stop her?

Alongside the tennis, Caroline’s Little Kitchen provided bacon rolls, crepes and coffee, which were greatly enjoyed and added to the relaxed, sociable atmosphere. The day also included a prize draw with three lucky girls winning tickets to the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, London.

The event raised an impressive £1,160, which will be shared equally between St Mary’s Calne Tennis Academy and the Parents’ Guild of St Mary’s. Last year’s funds supported a courtside speaker system for SMCTA, while the PGSM contribution continues to support events such as UIV Fireworks Night and the UVI Lily Ball on Founders’ Day.

Huge thanks go to Mr Hayes for organising the tournament and to Mrs Kate Fry, Mrs Dawn Riley, Miss Lucy Davies, Mr Nick John and Mr Ash Hilton for their invaluable help with administration and match management. The event’s success reflects their hard work, and the support of everyone who took part.

Thank you to all who attended and helped make it such a memorable day of tennis, community and sunshine.