Week 10 – National Open South East Men – Paddington Sports Club

Route to Bournemouth Finals complete for Paddington Sports Club

To go straight to National Open Finals in Bournemouth without losing a match, is for all of us at Paddington Sports Club, surreal! We’ve had some incredible games against some of the top clubs in the country and, although I knew we had a shot for the finals – to actually get there is still surreal.  Naim Lalji, team captain, writes.

We’ve been very lucky this year to have deployed a solid team so many thanks to David Culshaw, John Doran, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Keane, George McGill, Michael Ouvorov and Josh Page.

Andrew Fitzpatrick (pictured far right above – ATP Singles #475) and Josh Page (far left – ITF #185 18&U Boys Singles), our newest players, gave us the extra edge we needed on those crucial matches. Andrew and Josh beat Chris Eaton and Morgan Phillips of Virgin Active Surrey in their first doubles partnership. It was a very tight match and Josh, fearless in his game, finished it with an ace in the third set!

We love Michael Ouvarov (pictured above) who had some epic matches in front of an animated crowd at Paddington Sports Club. He had match points against him, playing Globe’s Gaddo Guidotti in Week 4, but his unwavering tennis is so strong that he won this match 6-4 on the third set. 

Ciaran Keane, stepped in at the last minute, for our away match against Letchworth and stole the limelight by winning both his singles and doubles matches with his trademark vintage strokes! John Doran, our very popular player cruised through most of his singles matches in his usual efficient manner. His doubles games is still top class – his volleys one of the best in this game! 

View the rubber and match results for Paddington Men’s 1 team this season

There’s been so many incredible moments along the way, and I’ve been lucky to play with my pal, Michael Ouvarov 2nd year running – another excellent round of doubles as we finished the season undefeated. 

The quality of tennis at this level is incredibly high and competing against top players/clubs has been quite a daunting challenge. It is just through sheer team work and support from Paddington Sports Club and its members that we’re going to National Open finals in Bournemouth. 

Huge thanks to everyone!   

View the Final league standings in the National Open South East 2012 division