Wow, what a fantastic Women’s Doubles we had, as women from across the region came together to celebrate International Women’s Day and enjoy a day that was filled with fun and laughter along with some serious competition and hard fought matches. Sixty one players made up the 30 teams on the day representing 15 clubs from across the Southern Counties. And we were happy to welcome two teams who joined us from Sussex region.
Arriving early to set up for the day ahead, Paul, Martin & Bob efficiently prepared the terrains, put up the gazebos, flags and the bunting while Hilary set up her registration desk with all paperwork meticulously taken care of the night before. 
Teams started arriving before 9am and pretty soon the terrains were a picture with hard-core players getting their practice in and the ‘not so hard-core’ enjoying a catch up with friends. A smooth registration process was well underway when we heard that five teams were stuck in traffic due to an accident on the M27, which necessitated a delayed start time to 10.30am. For some it meant more time to mingle!
The morning leagues kicked off with six leagues of four and one league of six. The friendly nature of the day presided as most teams enjoyed a healthy banter while playing, with only the odd occasion for an official intervention from Graham, our adjudicator for the day. 
The afternoon saw 16 teams in the Gold, eight in the Silver with the final six split into two groups to play for the Bronze. Teams in the Gold category were also playing to secure a place at the National Women’s Doubles so the first round of the knockout stage was crucial with all quarter-finalists and upwards qualifying.
It was great to see a diversity of teams who qualified including our youngest player Francesca (aged 12), who teamed-up with mum Julia to win all three games in the morning and getting to the quarter-finals in the afternoon to secure their place. And for those that didn’t qualify, there were plenty of wine and chocolate prizes handed out by event organiser Hassi!
The day was made extra special with Pam & Trevor Treend dropping by at lunchtime. Even though Pam is not in good health, she wanted to come along and say ‘hello’ and support such a great occasion. Despite her circumstances she was in good humour and her presence was welcomed by all who know her.
It was nice to see Storm Hannah (which had pretty much caused havoc the day before) hit the pause button for Sunday giving us a day of sunshine and blue skies with just a brief sprinkling of hail stones that didn’t really amount to much. However, towards the end of the day the temperature did dip significantly as the last few spectators hung on to cheer on the floodlit final between defending champions Sammy & Paula and the effervescent sisters Debbie & Tracey. A proud moment for mum Kim who had supported them throughout the day. Congratulations to Sammy & Paula who retained their title as the ‘2019 IWD – Women’s Doubles Winners’.
Thank you to Hilary for running the day so smoothly, to Graham for his attentive adjudicating and to all volunteers, spectators and of course the 61 players for making the day a huge success – you made the months of planning and organising worthwhile.
Lots more photos from the day in the Gallery
Sayonara, from your Happy Blogger
Results:
Gold
- Winners: Sammy Thatcher & Paula Fauvel
- Runners-up: Debbie Collier & Tracey Elcome
- Semi-finalists: Trish Richins & Celia Rawlings
- Semi-finalists: Carol Taylor & Joy Golds (& Pat Tan for Regional only)
- Quarter-finalists: Julia Jones & Francesca Evans-Jones
- Quarter-finalists: Hassi Leverett & Karen Lombard
- Quarter-finalists: Christine Kateley & Ingrid Richards
- Quarter-finalists: Christine Peat & Sandy Stowell
The above teams will all represent the region at the PE Finals at Oxshott on 14 April 2019
Gold Consolage
- Winners: Angela Brooks & Maureen Lee
- Runners-up: Diana Slark & Carolyn Tuthill
- Semi-finalists: Elaine Aldersey & Hilary Annicchiarico
- Jackie Corp & Mary Birch
Silver
- Winners: Bren Hobbs & Jan Gray
- Runners-up: Sue Sandy & Frankie Bennett
- Semi-finalists: Diane McDonald & Sonia Lee
- Semi-finalists: Sue Butcher & Karen Homewood
Silver Consolage
- Winners: Sue Shuttleworth & Val Samuel
- Runners-up: Barbara Franklin & Margaret Sewell
Bronze
- Winners: Sue Ross & Jill Myles
- Runners-up: Brenda Steptoe & Jane Sibbring
Lots more photos from the day in the Gallery