Bernards Battles to NJ Public Court Teams Victory

April 19. 2019
Basking Ridge, NJ
by Andrew Haines

The 8th annual NJ Men’s Municipal Platform Tennis Invitational was once again hosted by Bernards at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge on April 6th. It was a beautiful day with 16 teams representing four public court NJMPTA league teams from Bernards, Maplewood, Glen Ridge, and Florham Park. There was an early scandal as “inflation” was blamed for the increase in the tournament fee to $60/team. However, expensive beer was provided in a fair compromise prior to game time. 
It was an all Bernards final in the main draw with Greyson McConnell and Bijo Puthenpurayil upsetting two-time champion Hans Tang and Mike D’Antuano in three sets, 2-6, 6-0, 6-3. Maplewood found its level with a stranglehold on the back-draws. In the Consolation round, Rappaport and Chiarello (Maplewood) defeated Collins and Booth (Bernards) in a nail-biter, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6. Bigelow/Roebuck (Maplewood) beat out Foot/Rider (Florham Park) in the Conso Reprieve. White/McGreal (Bernards) took the Quarter Reprieve over Colville/Trevenen (Glen Ridge).
Thanks to Jim Irwin and the NJMPTA for providing game balls. Special thanks to Chuck Molinary and Bernards for hosting and organizing this annual tradition. A great way to wrap the season.

RESULTS
Main Draw: Greyson McConnell/Bijo Puthenpurayil def. Mike D’Antuano/Hans Tang, 2-6, 6-0, 6-3
Quarter Reprieve: McGreal/White def. Colville/Trevenen
Consolation: Chiarello/Rappaport def. Booth/Collins, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6
Consolation Reprieve: Bigelow/Roebuck def. Foot/Rider