Singles runner-up James Denyer of St James went one better this time to win the coveted trophy against Tollgate’s Eren Gozcu.

Denyer’s power was evident as the pair shared the first two tight ends, Denyer winning the first 14-12 and Gozcu the second 11-9. Gozcu struggled with his touch in the third going down 11-1 and Denyer powered through the fourth 11-5 running out a worthy winner.

The likeable Denyer has been a top performer in Colchester over the past 10 years and as one of his club-mates says it was only a matter of time before he won it!

Earlier in the semi-finals Denyer beat former champion Rik James of Rowhedge 3-0 (6, 7, 4) and Gozcu accounted for Gt Horkesley’s Richard Hutchinson also three-straight (9, 8, 4).

In the Women’s Singles Gracie Edwards made it four titles as she beat Rowhedge team-mate Chloe Andrews in three straight games.

The pair then teamed up to take the Women’s Doubles defeating Helen Woolnough of Pegasus and Elise Ando of Tollgate and Sharon Gowlett of St James and Adhuna Das of Rowhedge both pairs three straight.

Seasoned Men’s Doubles partners Andy Warner and Richard Hutchinson came through the closest final on the night 3-2 (15-13, 13-11, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8) against James Denyer and Greg Green of Tollgate.

Green was the first finalist of the new 19-39 event that saw Eren Gozcu win an entertaining final 3-1. Gozcu beat Gracie Edwards in the semi-final and Green defeated Paul Hume (St James) in the other.

It was a triumphant weekend for Rowhedge legend Rik James winning both the over 40 and 50 events. To win James had to beat Gt Horkesley’s Andy Warner and Richard Hutchinson in both events.

The 40+ final was played in a great spirit with both players trading blows from the back of the court with the rallies lasting the longest of the evening! Warner took the first two ends before James fought back running out the winner 3-2 (6-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5).

James was again on top form in the over 50s final, saving match points against Hutchinson but coming through in a high-quality match 3-2 (11-5, 6-11, 16-18, 14-12, 11-9), appreciated by the spectators.

In the over 60s final Ipswich stalwart Charlie Fulcher from Gt Horkesley rolled back the years to beat Andy Holmes of Lawford 3-0 (10, 5, 8). Holmes is one of four players who has won all three Vets titles, the others being Mick Buckley, Ian Whiteside and Alan Burgess.

Alex Attew (Gt Horkesley) retained his Junior Singles title beating James Donald (Tollgate). The two youngsters continue to impress with Donald defeating Greg Green and Paul Hume in the Seniors event.

Rowhedge youngster Krzysztof Szemro enjoyed a successful weekend beating Sam Knights, who is also from Rowhedge, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9 in the Cadets final.

Knights went on to win the Division Four Singles in a tight five- game match against Adhuna Das, another from Rowhedge, 11-2, 11-9, 6-11, 8-11, 11-9.

Adhuna went one better in winning the Junior Girls Singles against teammate Grace Liu 3-1 (11-7, 11-4, 12-14, 11-9). Both girls are ranked top 10 in England in their respective age groups and are players to keep an eye on for the future.

Other Divisional Singles winners were Dan Farrow (Lawford) in Division One defeating Pegasus’s Dan Anderson 11-5, 11-9, 19-17. In Division Two there was success for League Chairman John Colvin beating Steve Holland (Gt Horkesley) 3-1 (11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9. Two Juniors competed for the Division Three crown and Lawford’s Owen Little came out on top 11-7, 13-11, 11-6 against Tollgate’s Victor Whytock. Interestingly all three of these Divisional winners come from the burgeoning Lawford Club, a notable achievement.

Thanks to David Gatheral organising the Tournament for the first time very successfully along with a great team of helpers including Polly Colvin providing a fine array of sustenance for the players and spectators alike.