QARNNS Rosebowl Tennis 2006

The annual QARNNS Rosebowl event is a long established Lawn Tennis Competition open to all serving QARNNS personnel. Originally just a ladies singles competition, it now includes Men’s singles, Mixed Doubles and Ladies Doubles.


Usually held in summer at the grass courts of HMS Temeraire over 2 days, inclement weather of recent years has meant the finals have been held at the indoor facilities of the Portsmouth Tennis Centre at Burnaby Road.

12 QARNNS personnel of various ranks and rates, and from different establishments attended this years event, which was a considerable feat considering the current operational commitments. With the qualifying rounds being played the previous day, the Ladies final was between Lt Jan Ouvry and LNN Claire Wesson.

LNN Claire Wesson Lt Jan Ouvry After a close competition it was finally Claire Wesson who edged ahead in the last set to take the title. S/Lt Darren Humphrey and Lt Paul Carnell who made it through to the final. Darren, as losing finalist in 2004, was keen to finally get his hands on the trophy and was confident after beating Lt Carnell in the qualifying stages.

However, Paul proved too strong for him on the day and clinched the title in 3 sets. Lt Paul Carnell receiving his trophy from Matron-in-Chief QARNNS, Capt Lynne Gibbon. The mixed doubles final of PONN Mike Taylor and LNN Claire Styles versus Lt Cdr Neil Piper and LNN Hollie Kidby was won by Mike and Claire.

Lt Sara Hodds and LNN Jenny Aplin, who are pictured together with Captain Gibbon, won the ladies doubles final. Winners of the various competitions are usually selected to represent the QARNNS at the Tri-Service competition versus the QARANC and the PMRAFNS. However, due to operational commitments across the three services, this year’s competition was cancelled.

If anyone is interested in playing QARNNS Tennis, please contact Lt Jan Ouvry (deployed Jan – Apr 07) on 02392 724105 or 9380 24105.

It’s always great fun and experience is definitely not essential, so make sure you’re part of next years event.

All pictures taken by Lt Matt Wesson



QARNNS Tennis 2005

QARNNS Tennis 2007