The weekend of June 27-29 brought another superb weather system to the area for a New England wide USTA sanctioned men's 50+ tennis tournament, that drew an unusually large number of 23 entrants. The courts and facility were in first class shape through the continuing, outstanding efforts of Don Ellis. Those who played at the courts for the first time were thoroughly impressed with the complex and many could not believe that a public clay court facility of its size could be so well maintained. Court's Supervisor, Vin Palumbo did his usual outstanding job of coordinating court time for the tournament, ensuring the courts were swept and ready for play early each day and watering the clay at opportune moments to keep the surface in "A" one shape throughout the 3 day event. A very large THANK YOU to both men not only for this tournament but for all they do on a daily basis to keep the courts in tip top form.

Local players who entered the tournament were Phil Coonley, Dave Andersen, Dick Santos and Pat Ariniello. Pat won his first round match in 3 sets over Greg Osche from Acton, MA, but lost to Gary Chafetz of Cambridge in the next round. Chafetz went on to win the tournament, while Osche was a finalist in the Consolation event. Dave Andersen, after losing in the first round of the main draw went on to win the Consolation event! In the final, he persevered over Osche 7-5, 7-6 (7-4). Phil Coonley went the furthest in the main draw, losing in the quarterfinals to Tufts Tennis Coach and main draw finalist Jim Watson. Dick Santos played his heart out and had a fine match against consolation semifinalist Dag Williamson from Chelmsford. Dick lost a tiebreaker 7-6 (7-4) in the first set before succumbing to the heat & humidity 6-1 in the second. As you can see, Winchester was well represented in the tournament.

In the Main Draw semifinal, Ashoke Ganguli from Amherst, MA played Chafetz and lost 6-3, 6-1. Ganguli suffers from a torn rotator cuff injury, forcing him to serve underhanded and not hit overheads. To compensate, he has developed one of the softest "touch" games most observers at the tournament have ever seen. He strings his racquet at a mere 26 lbs! The other semifinal saw Watson come back in the second set down 1-4, love-40 to Howard Peelle of Amherst, MA, to win the set 6-4, after taking the first set 6-0. In the final, Chafetz beat Watson 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. Chafetz deliberate play and improved serving during the match were the difference.

We would be remiss, if we didn't thank the three young ladies who assisted on Saturday, by setting up the tables, drinks, fruit, etc. Katie Nicholson, Seanna Culhane and Kasey Rowe were a wonderful help, dragging and sweeping the courts as the competitors completed their matches. It did not go unnoticed by the players and was much appreciated, especially on such a hot and humid afternoon.

The next Packer Clay Court event is the E. Whitney Gray, Husband and Wife Tournament (w/consolations) to be held the weekend of August 8-9. We will have the annual buffet dinner and dance to the music of W.T.A's own, V.P. Leo Lauretano and the Flashbacks! Come join in the fun.
- Gordon Nicholson