Cheshire 35&Over Mixed Doubles Championships2025

The annual 35 &Over mixed doubles event took place on Sunday 28th September at Knutsford Tennis Club for the first time in its history, and it was a great success. There were more pairs who entered compared to the previous year, from clubs from all corners of the county and the standard of the tennis was high. Tom Brown was the referee, and he arranged the pairs into 2 groups, such that every pair played full sets, giving plenty of tennis to all resulting in long exciting rallies in many matches.

Tim Murray and Hannah Lorquet (brother and sister) from Northern and Prestbury, won all their matches in one group, despite an extremely close match v Kate McCall and Trevor Merrick from Heswall. Dan Turner and Katie Sidell from Bramhall Lane won their group matches and beat Kate and Trevor in an excellent semi-final.

The final was played over the best of 3 sets with a match tie break if needed. The players involved were somewhat reluctant to play 3 sets after what had been a fairly full day of tennis, but it proved to be the right decision and a very fitting final with outstanding rallies. It was so entertaining that all the other competitors stayed to watch and support, creating a great atmosphere. The result could have gone either way, but Dan and Katie won the deciding tiebreak 10-8 to emerge as champions.

Huge thanks to Knutsford LTC for hosting the event, Mark Airey who manned the bar and provided excellent hospitality, and to Tom Brown for officiating the event, as efficiently as ever.