On Saturday, August 24th, Seacourt Tennis Club hosted the much-anticipated return of the Gordon Grady Cup, an International Under-15 Junior Handicap Singles competition. After a break due to the pandemic, this year's tournament brought together 10 talented young players, including Rosie Kay from Bridport and Ben Blake from Prested Hall, as well as several Seacourt members. The day began at 9 a.m., with two groups of five players each battling it out in 15-minute matches or until one player reached 6 games.

The Gordon group saw a strong performance from Jack Morgan, who took the top spot, while Sam Pickup secured the runner-up position. In the Grady group, Daniel Morgan emerged as the winner, with Freddie Dodgson coming in as runner-up. Throughout the day, the players showcased their determination and skill, much to the excitement of parents and grandparents watching anxiously from the sidelines.

As the competition intensified, the semifinals were a highlight of the day. In the first semifinal, Freddie Dodgson faced Jack Morgan in a close and thrilling match, with Freddie edging out Jack 6/4 to secure his spot in the final. The second semifinal was a nail-biter between Daniel Morgan and Sam Pickup, tied at 5 games each before Daniel pulled off a narrow 6/5 victory.

The final was a fitting climax to the day's matches. Freddie Dodgson and Daniel Morgan went head-to-head in an 8-game battle, with both boys playing at their best. After an evenly matched start at 4 all, Freddie's aggressive play and well-placed shots helped him gain the upper hand. He took the final 8/4, claiming the 2024 Gordon Grady Cup in a well-deserved victory.

It was a day of remarkable sportsmanship, impressive tennis, and plenty of memorable moments. Special thanks go to Jane Grady, who, through her company Grady's, continues to run and sponsor this wonderful event in the name of her father, Gordon Grady. Thanks are also due to Paul Weaver, the players' coach, for his dedication to their development, and to William New for coordinating the event.

With great food available throughout the day and goody bags for all competitors, the 2024 tournament was a resounding success. We look forward to building on this momentum as we head into 2025!