There was a strong field of 16 for the Women’s Open Singles at Labour weekend. It was unfortunate that last year’s winner Julie Stichbury was unable to defend her title but conditions, for a change, were benign and all the players enjoyed two days of sunshine and still air. By the end of the qualifying day the post-section draw was simplified by there being eight qualifiers. There were some surprise results on the day. Two strong contenders Alice Spicer, fresh from her Centre title, and Bronwyn McMahon did not survive the first day. Nor did Margaret Griffin, Liz Galloway or Heather Stempa.
The quarter finals were all closely contested with Dianne Short beating Sammie Sweeney by 3 points, Jessie Johnston beating June Paterson by 5, and Diana beating Bella Law by 5. The closest game was was between Hazel Rose and Mary Judd with Hazel winning 21-20.
It was not so close from there on. In the semi-finals Dianne accounted for Jessie 21-10 and Diana beat Hazel 21-13. This meant that it was Dianne versus Diana in the final on the Sunday afternoon – with arguably the two best singles players in the club to fight it out. Unfortunately Dianne was not able to repeat her earlier form and it was Diana, showing the benefit of all those long hours of training who prevailed easily 21 – 8.
Congratulations to Diana McGill singles champion for the 2015-16 season. Ken Hayward
