Evans and Casey win County single's titles (From Western Telegraph)

Evans and Casey win County single's titles

SOME fabulous tennis was the order of the day at the 56th annual Pembrokeshire County tennis finals, which was held recently at the Parade Grounds, Haverfordwest.

In an eagerly-awaited Men's Singles final, last year's winner Bruce Evans overcame plucky 14-year-old Thomas Richards by two sets to one.

Evans, the number one seed, lost the opening set 6-4, and at that stage a shock looked very much on the cards.

However, Evans called upon all his vast amount of experience to eventually clinch the next two sets by 6-1, 6-2, and deservedly secure his fifth senior singles title. In the Men's semi-finals there was some brilliant tennis played.

Number four seed Thomas James won the opening set 6-0 against defending champion Evans. Unfortunately for James he picked up an ankle injury which restricted his movement and allowed Evans to win the next two sets 6-0, 7-6.

The last set was decided by a nail-biting tie breaker which Evans won 10-8, in one of the best games of the tournament, which took one-and-half hours to complete. In the other Men's semi-final, number two seed Richard Price crashed out to number six seed Thomas Richards 6-7, 6-3, 6-3.

In the Ladies' singles final, defending champion Natalie O'Brien faced number two seed Gemma Casey.

In a thrilling match some of the hardest baseline hitting was witnessed and some excellent rallies.

Casey, in the end, was deservedly crowned the winner of her second senior singles title, with an impressive straight sets 6-3, 6-1 victory over her teenage arch rival. Number two seeds Susan Jones and Gemma Casey did extremely well to beat number one seeds Lil Gully and Sandra Rowlands in straight sets 7-5, 6-0, to lift the Ladies' doubles challenge trophy.

In the Men's Doubles final, Bruce Evans and Karl Smith beat John McQuaker and Richard Price, in a classic three set clash which finished 4-6, 7-6, 6-4. In the Mixed Doubles final, Steve Jarvis and Sandra Rowlands overcame Bruce Evans and Louise Couceiro, in straight sets 6-4, 6-1, denying Evans clinching his third title of the day.

The Men's Plate final saw impressive hard-hitting Jason Dixon defeat Christopher Phillips in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. Organiser John McQuaker was delighted with the brilliant weather and splendid tennis which was highly entertaining.

A big thanks to sponsor Alan Bland, managing director of J. & G. Bland (Motors) Ltd., for sponsoring the tournament for the 21st year and to everyone who helped make it such a successful finals day.

The results were as follows:- MEN'S SINGLES Semi-Finals Bruce Evans (1) bt Thomas James (4) 06; 6-0; 7-6 (10-8 tie breaker). Thomas Richards (6) bt Richard Price (2) 6-7; 6-3; 6-3. Men's Singles Final Bruce Evans (1) bt Thomas Richards (6) 4-6; 6-1; 6-2. MEN'S DOUBLES Semi-Finals Bruce Evans & Karl Smith (1) bt Brian Hearne & Dave Banner (4) 6-3; 7-4. Richard Price & John McQuaker (2) bt Thomas James & Jonathan Whitticombe (3) 1-6; 7-6; 6-4. Men's Doubles Final Bruce Evans & Karl Smith (1) bt Richard Price & John McQuaker (2) 4-6; 7-6; 6-4.

MEN'S PLATE Semi-finals Jason Dixon bt Lee Scott 7-5; 6-3. Christopher Phillips bt Nick Doncaster 6-0; 6-4. Final Jason Dixon bt Christopher Phillips 6-4; 6-2.

MIXED DOUBLES Semi-Finals Bruce Evans & Louise Couceiro (1) bt Brian Hearne & Jennifer Scoble (6-4; 6-3. Steve Jarvis & Sandra Rowlands (3) bt John McQuaker & Susan Jones (2) 6-4; 6-3. Final Steve Jarvis & Sandra Rowlands (3) bt Bruce Evans & Louise Couceiro (1) 6-4; 6-1. LADIES' SINGLES Semi-Finals Natalie O'Brien (1) bt Shirley James 6-2; 6-0. Gemma Casey (2) bt Sandra Rowlands 6-1; 6-1. Final Gemma Casey (2) bt Natalie O'Brien (1) 6-3; 6-1.

LADIES' DOUBLES Semi-Finals Lil Gully & Sandra Rowlands (1) bt Elizabeth Moss & Ruth Moss 6-1; 6-1. Gemma Casey & Sue Jones (2) bt Louise Couceiro & Laura Noott 3-6; 6-4; 1-0(10-2).

Final Gemma Casey & Sue Jones (2) bt Lil Gully & Sandra Rowlands (1) 7-5; 6-0.