The 2019 Border Cups were completed on the weekend of the 17th & 18th August. The singles was on Saturday and conditions proved very tricky with high winds affecting play. A smaller field than usual saw only 6 brave the winds to try and land their name on the trophy. In the 2 quarter final matches there was a routine win for Richie Cunningham over Michael Goldie 6-1-6-0 and defending champion Dan McKiddie negotiated a win over Kyle Singh 6-4, 6-3 to set up a semi-final against Paul Boardman. Dan took the first set 6-2 before Paul got going taking the 2nd set into a tie-break which Dan held on to take 7-6 (7-4) and clinch a final spot. In the other semi a returning Colin Dunbar was looking to get his name back on the trophy he last won in 2015 and he and Richie battled through the wind. Richie managed the conditions best in the first set taking it 7-6 before Colin levelled the match by taking the 2nd set 6-3. The tie-break 3rd set ebbed and flowed before Richie came out on top to take it 10-7 and set up a final with Dan.
The final proved to be a cagey affair with just the narrowest of margins seperating the players as Dan regained his title with a 7-5, 6-3 win.
The doubles on Sunday was again played in windy conditions with the threat of rain hanging over the 4 pairs. In the first semi defending champions Colin Dunbar and Johnny Short just kept Dumfries duo of Kyle Singh and Richie Cunningham at bay to record a 6-3, 6-4 win. Last years beaten finalist Dan & Lister McKiddie had to work very hard to edge past experanced Dalbeattie pair of Paul Boardman and Stevie White 7-5, 7-5. Paul and Stevie secure the 3rd spot by beating Kyle and Richie 6-3, 7-5. The final was evenly contested as it reached a tie-break which Colin and Johnny controlled to take the first set 7-6 (2). The 2nd set totally changed as the heavens open up and the rain lashed down and with that it washed away Lister and Dan’s chances and Colin and Johnny went on to take the 2nd set 6-0 and secure their 7th Borders win.
Dumfries & Galloway Tennis 