By Community Correspondent Max Hill.

Saturday September 12th, promised to be an exciting day for the members of Ashford tennis club. The men’s final was a rematch of the 2008 championship, between defending champion Rob Mutchell and runner up Roy Marshall. Four time champion Frankie Bedi had been knocked out at the semi-final stage of the women’s tournament, confirming that a new name would adorn the winner’s cup.

In the women’s draw, Esther Waghorn was to compete against Katarina Bunce. The match began with a convincing start from Esther, who looked unfazed by the occasion as she took the first set 6-2. Patchy serving allowed Katarina to fight back and force a third set, after she took the second 6-3. At 0-1, and 15-30 in the second game, Katarina requested a medical timeout. Cramp forced the pre-match favourite to retire, confirming Esther as the 2009 champion.

The men’s final had a less controversial ending but was a hard thought match. Both finalists had battled through tight semi-finals, but Rob Mutchell looked to be the dominant player. An inspired first set from both players eventually led to Roy taking the lead 6-4. Once again, the trailing player stormed through to take the second set and Rob looked focussed as he tied the score with a 6-2 onslaught. The tables turned in the decider as Roy served for the match 5-3 up. Struggling with nerves Roy lost the next two games making it 5-5, before eventually clinching the championship 7-5 in the final set.