Graham's coach party

A DUEL between two Staffs coaches ended in a straight sets victory for county CDCO Graham Howell in the Basford LTA Ratings Tournament.

Avon skipper Howell took control of the opening set against Staffs men's team player Matt Chandler and raced to a 6-2 scoreline.

Chandler, the Endon based coach, stepped up a gear in the second set to lead 5-3, before Howell clawed back to level at 5 all. The county development and coaching officer then took the initiative to secure the match 7-5.

The tableau event brought to a close the ratings tournament at Basford and with it the end of the summer series in Staffordshire.

The climax of the Basford closed championships fell on the same day with women's reigning champion Karen Dobson retaining her title 6-2, 7-6 against Mary Hobson.

Club coach Mike Hannon's hopes of clinching the men's crown for the sixth time were dashed by fellow coach Dave Gadd.

Gadd secured a break of serve in the first set to go 6-4 ahead but both players were neck and neck in the second, with Gadd eventually claiming the match 7-6 (7-4 in the tie break).

Gadd clinched a second victory when he teamed up with Pete Savatovich in the men's doubles to dismiss Alan Foskett and Keith Jones 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Karen Dobson also landed a second triumph with partner Vanessa Greatbach as the pair ousted Mary Hobson and Judy Tierney 6-1, 6-1.

Hannon won revenge in the mixed as he and Fran Rodwell beat Gadd and Vanessa Greatbach 6-4, 2-6, 7-6.

Evening Sentinel, 31 October 1994
Courtesy of The Sentinel News & Media