Smail earns Yorkshire title, Fuller nets two runners-up spots
November saw Slazenger Padel, Leeds, host the Yorkshire Padel County Championships for padel players living in or born in the Yorkshire area.
Male and female players battled it out in 16 different categories ranging from boys/girls under-14 to mens/ladies 60+.
In the ladies 50+, Scarborough were represented by Gilly Smail and her playing partner Helen Cowlrick (Harrogate).
Considered strong title favourites Gilly and Hellen played their usual controlled padel throughout and reached the final where they were victorious 6-3 6-3 to take the title.
John Fuller and his playing partner Neil Baldwin (Huddersfield) entered both the over-50s and over-60s and were seeded 1 in both.
In the 50s they progressed 6-0 6-0 in the quarter-final, 6-1 6-0 in the semi-final but then came up against high-ranking and well-disciplined John Dunsheath and Simon Dickinson.
Their opponents' game plan caught Fuller and Baldwin out and before they knew it they succumbed 1-6 1-6 to finish runners-up.
Title holders from the 60+ in 2024, this was considered their stronger event, and Fuller and Baldwin again progressed to the final losing just four games on the way.
Feeling confident they faced Huddersfield padel coach Nick Holloway and the UK's Mr Padel, Peter Vann.
Fuller and Baldwin took the first 7-5 and looked in control of a tough, competitive match but knew they still had a lot to do.
The second set went to their opponents 3-6 so it was now game on in a first to 10 point tie-break set.
Fuller and Baldwin had a dream start and found themselves 7-2 up.
With the finishing line in sight, some long patient rallies and brilliant winners by their opponents, the game slipped away and the pair were defeated 9-11.
Deflated, the pair shook hands with their Yorkshire colleagues and now await 2026.
Fuller said: “To lose after having such a lead was a blow to say the least but when you look across and see Nick and Peter at the other side of the net you know you have to play 100% the whole game.
"I have no idea what went wrong but when I see Nick he’ll analyse it with me. He coached me through the Nationals and I respect him and Peter hugely. Worthy winners. Next is Leeds then Bristol then that's it for 2025.''