The end of season South Devon League’s Closed Tournament took place on Sunday 2nd April 2023 at the Torbay Leisure Centre and there were many excellent performances from Newton Abbot players.

In total, 10 events take place on the day for players registered for the local league, while there are also 2 junior events for those starting out in the game. Six finals are held back for the finals and awards night which was again held at Stover School on Tuesday 4th April. 65 players took part in the day, many from our club.

Also successful winners on the Sunday were Sonja Ryland (NA Buzzards) paired with Jackie Whitehorn (NA Hawks) as they successfully defended their ladies doubles cup. NA Kites’ Clare Northcott battled well to get to the final of the 4th Division Cup but lost out in the final to finish runner up.

On to Finals Night where the first event, Veterans Singles, was an all Newton Abbot affair.  Dennis Gibbs (NA Batmen) defeating Kevin Nicholls (NA Buzzards). 

The mixed doubles cup was retained by the NA Buzzards pair of Sonja Ryland and Kevin Nicholls who beat a scratch pair of Andy Guy (NA Hawks) who was joined by Torre’s Eve James.

The Batmen’s pair of Dennis and Shaun Gibbs were too strong for Jim McIvor (NA Falcons) and Ben Hoare, winning the mens doubles event.

NA Buzzards’ Sonja Ryland won the Knight Cup (ladies singles) while NA Batmen’s Shaun Gibbs took the Burton Cup (mens singles)

Well done to all the clubs players who took part and Congratulations to those involved in the seven major awards all being won by Newton Abbot players for the second year running.  

Two Newton Abbot players were also the recipients of special awards presented by the Leagues’ Executive Committee.  Andy Guy receiving the Alan Parker Cup while Sonja Ryland picked up the Amy Dyment Rose Bowl.