Bob Brown & Doug Barrow Win 145+ Nationals
RICH LOMBARD, TOURNAMENT CHAIR
MARCH 18,2010
SCARBOROUGH, NY
The day after the St. Patrick's parade the 145's gathered at Sleepy Hollow in Scarborough, New York for a day long series of paddle matches. Seventeen teams (2010 seniors' record turnout) showed up at the appointed hour for a group photograph, later to be inserted in the frames which 50% of the participants won.
The day was a warm 70' s which tested the staying power of many - but not Vince Greco who at 83 years old played two fewer games than his age while he and his partner Rick Reuter captured a consolation finalist prize, the winners being Dick Bower & Charlie Curtis: 6-4, 6-7, 6-0.
It was a year with the over 80's folks going younger as Bob Brown captured his 20th National title with a last minute partner Doug Barrow who at the age of 63 captured his first Men's National Title with an exciting win over Bill Wenrich and Mike O'Donnell 6-2, 7-5.
One of the many highlights of the day included a five team round robin in the consolation reprieve which drew a lot of attention as the 5pm match resulted in the Philly boys; Larry Habgood and Joe Davis grabbing a two point victory over Herb Bascome and Blair LeRoy.
Teams appeared from seven states - none playing fewer than three matches and the hero prize went to Don Dowd who booked his Chicago flights and hotels without a partner for the 145's and/or the 70's played over the weekend at Fox Meadow.
Other Kudos to Marjorie Hodson for managing the draw and the 21 players returning from last year's competition. You would hardly have guessed their ages, but at one point two teams came to net and asked is it 4-0 or 4-2. Twenty minutes later it was unresolved; so in typical super senior fashion it was decided that better to have won two unmemorable games than to have lost two games due to memory lapse.
All agreed it was just good to be there and let's play till we drop! Next year we'll have over 20 teams. The 145's Rock!!
