by John Lumley
This year, we had a great turnout split into two divisions: over 50s and a combined age of 115 years! Both events were played off half handicap. The 50s saw Michael Gorsen and Alex Jamieson screaming through the top half of the draw to reach the final. Anders Cohen and Shawn Herlihy also played well to reach the final, playing and serving well. Cohen and Herlihy came out of the blocks quickly, taking an early lead. Cohen was hitting some great volleys to end points, with Herlihy steady and consistent made for a deadly team. They won the final 8/2 to take the 50’s Senior Challenge in Philadelphia!
The 115 years combined saw Sewall Hodges and Paul Bolster have a battle against Anders Cohen and John Schellenberg in the semi-final. It was back and forth in the games, with all the players making some great gets. Using his favorite lob shot, Schellenberg tied it up to make it seven games all, with Cohen again putting on a masterclass of serving. With it coming down to the final game, Hodges and Bolster dug deep and didn’t miss a ball in the last game to book their spot in the final. Dick Tanfield and Michael Gorsen had a straightforward path to the final, not letting a team get more than four games off them. They kept that form running, with Tanfield using his high serve to the max and Gorsen crushing his forehand at the grille and tambour. They took the 115-year title 8/3 in the final against a solid Hodges and Bolster team.
Thank you to all the players for participating in this new format of the Senior Challenge, and we look forward to the next one!
Senior Challenge 50 Doubles – Michael Gorsen & Alex Jamison (Finalists) – Shawn Herlihy & Anders Cohen (Winners) 8-2
Senior Challenge 115 Combined – Sewall Hodges & Paul Bolster (Finalists) with Michael Gorsen & Dick Tanfield (Winners) 8-3
