Daylesford Recap from Jack Hazlewood

Men’s Final

In the Men’s Final, former national tennis player Andy Cooper teamed up with sporting all-rounder Sam Greaves to take on last year’s champions Steve Gore and Ben Lacey. The match was tight throughout, but Steve’s impenetrable defence and Ben’s flair and shot-making ability saw them prevail. Ben's deep understanding of the game and variety of shots wowed the capacity crowd and confirmed to fans that the rumours are in fact true that he used his cot as a baby to practice shots off the wall, and his first word was actually 'Bandeja'.

‍Winners: Ben Lacey & Steve Gore
Runners-Up: Sam Greaves & Andy Cooper

Daylesford Women’s Final

In the Women’s Final, we had Padel Shift’s own Philly Middleton teaming up with pilates and padel powerhouse Chloe Hodgson. They faced Heather Fletcher and Izzy Rees, who used their combined tennis and squash pedigree to reach the final. The match was closely fought, but Philly and Chloe won with the perfect combination of power and guile.

‍Winners: Philly Middleton & Chloe Hodgson
Runners-Up: Izzy Rees & Heather Fletcher

Daylesford Mixed Final

The Mixed Final was one of the closest matches of the day. Top seeds Philly Middleton and Ahmed El Magdoub lost the first set to Heather Fletcher (playing her fourth match of the day!) and newcomer Matt Ginks, who showed brilliantly how tennis skills can transfer to padel with controlled overheads and aggressive volleys. Eventually, Philly and Ahmed’s understanding of each other’s game saw them take the title.‍

Winners: Philly Middleton & Ahmed El Magdoub
Runners-Up: Heather Fletcher & Matt Ginks

Daylesford Men’s Consolation Final

Despite being unfairly branded the “losers’ competition” by some, there was plenty of bravado and chat leading up to this final, mostly from James Eagle and Ian Tomlin. The match featured two pairings perfectly blending youth (sort of) and experience. In the end, the tactics of James and Mark Wilson proved decisive, with Mark playing the anchor role and James running like a whippet chasing a wounded muntjac, covering much of the court.‍

Winners: James Eagle & Mark Wilson
Runners-Up: Ian Tomlin & Colin Leigh

Daylesford Women’s Consolation Final

The Women’s Consolation Final had a more gracious build-up. Lucy Carmody and Bianca Francis took on Mitch Pugh and Liz Docker-Drysdale. Lucy and Bianca continued their semi-final form with powerful shots and punishing volleys, but Liz and Mitch defended well, using the glass and slowing the game down.‍

Winners: Lucy Carmody & Bianca Francis
Runners-Up: Mitch Pugh & Liz Docker-Drysdale

Daylesford Mixed Consolation Final

The Mixed Consolation Final featured mother-and-son duo Claire and Max Trainor against Harry Sherbrooke and Anna Hodgson. From personal experience of playing doubles with my mother, I feared the worst for the Trainors, but they teamed up perfectly to push the talented Harry and Anna all the way. In the end, Harry’s slice and skill on the back glass, combined with Anna’s devastating volleys, secured their win.‍

Winners: Harry Sherbrooke & Anna Hodgson
Runners-Up: Claire & Max Trainor

Elkstone Recap from Charlie Andrews

Men’s Final

Elkstone’s Men’s competition delivered two strong semi-finals. Joe McCoubrie and Joss Edwards overcame Ray McGrath and Tim Morphew, while Ed Cutler and Matt Bailey saw off Dean Hurter and Alex Horton. The final was a back-and-forth battle, with Joe and Joss just edging it in the championship tiebreak: 6–4, 3–6, 10–8.

Winners: Joe McCoubrie & Joss Edwards
Runners-up: Ed Cutler & Matt Bailey

Women’s Final

Mandy Donald and Sylvie Darrieumerlou came through their semi-final against Lexi Benson and Polly Besterman, while Tania Thompson and Megan Williams earned their place in the final with a strong performance. Mandy and Sylvie played with control and confidence to take the title, 6–1, 6–4.

Winners: Mandy Donald & Sylvie Darrieumerlou
Runners-up: Tania Thompson & Megan Williams

Mixed Final

In the mixed draw, Jane Neilson and Callum Egan reached the final after an exciting semi against Sylvie Darrieumerlou and Jamie Cowell. They were joined by Mandy Donald and Dan Shelford, who progressed past Lexi and Paddy Benson. The final delivered high-quality play from both sides, with Jane and Callum taking the match in a championship tiebreak, 10–4.‍

Winners: Jane Neilson & Callum Egan
Runners-up: Jane Neilson & Callum Egan

Consolation Finals

Amanda and Bill Porter took the Mixed Consolation title against Tania Thompson and Tom Waltham. Chris Sherrington and Keith Onslow claimed the Men’s Consolation win over Howard Jenner and Justin O’Brien. Jane Neilson and Linda Dallyn secured the Women’s Consolation title with a win over Philly Graftey Smith and Amanda Porter.

Thank You

A huge thank you to all players, supporters, and everyone who made the Padel Shift Club Championships such a standout weekend. The atmosphere, energy, and standard of play across both sites were a real reflection of what the Padel Shift community is all about.  We’re already looking forward to next year!