RAF To Help Basford Celebrate Anniversary

TENNIS by Jackie Thorley

HIGH-FLIERS at Basford are preparing to take on the cream of the RAF in an exhibition match marking the club's 125th anniversary. Basford's top players will be in action in a series of men's and women's doubles. The club in West Avenue is hosting the showpiece event on September 28 as part of its 125th birthday celebrations. Before the senior competition starts, junior members will also demonstrate their skills. The exhibition match is the brainchild of club stalwart Derek Newport, whose illustrated history of the club highlights the success of former RAF singles champion David Egerton - a current Basford first-team player. Egerton clinched the Forces title at Wimbledon in 1987 and, while searching for photographs of the victory, Newport took up their offer to send two teams to North Staffordshire. Lining up for Basford will be Egerton, club coach Mike Armstrong and teenagers Tom Ellis and Josh Eardley, while the women's side will include Staffs over-40s skipper Mary Hobson and team-mate Karen Dobson, with England veterans June Fisher and Sue Winters. "We're looking forward to the event and expecting tough competition from the force's teams," said Dobson. "There has been a small group of club committee members, led by Derek Newport, who have worked hard to pull the day together. We've got fingers crossed for good weather and hope the whole event will be well supported by club members and the public alike."

Sentinel, 16 September 2008
Courtesy of The Sentinel News & Media