Twelve year old Jonny Green created the biggest shock in the history of our Boys’ Singles when he defeated the title holder and top seed Alex Van Lomwel in straight sets to reach the final of this event.
In a wind affected match Jonny, who had lost 6-2,6-2 to Alex in last year’s event, and is the youngest player competing, showed a considerable level of improvement and a tennis maturity that belied his years. Alex is a shot maker who is great to watch, but Jonny was more consistent and adapted to the conditions better, especially in the first set which he took 6-1.
Alex is too good a player not to have made his mark on the match, and with some fine attacking tennis battled his way into a 5-3 lead in the second set. Despite the conditions the lads entertained those present with some fine rallies, and at this stage of the match Alex should have sought more consistency in his game, but frustration set in as the relentless Jonny was returning everything, even mixing in some Dad like forehands as he cut back the deficit. Landing four games in a row Jonny won the set 7-5 to claim a very impressive victory. Alex is also a fine prospect and should quickly put this match behind him and concentrate on the Men’s B Singles in which he is a semi-finalist, and could cause Chairman Beetle some problems.
There is no stopping the Greens’ at present and elder sister Ailsa, the top seed and title holder, reached the final of the Ladies Singles after defeating Nikki Sanders 6-3,7-6. These are two fine young players who produced some real quality tennis in a closely fought encounter.
Message for Ailsa and Jonny, can you please give Dad some advice on how to cross the winning line!
Andy Major is probably playing his best tennis ever, and although his semi-final opponent Andy Craig fought hard to reach several deuce games, the 6-0,6-0 win emphasises the top seeds superiority. He is a daunting final opponent for young Ollie Sanders who still has plenty of improvement to come, and this could be some match!
Our success story continues in the East Hants League, and the Mixed squad have set up an unassailable lead in Division 3. We have a 15 point lead over Midhurst B who we meet in our final match, which leaves them needing to beat their penultimate opponents 8-0, and us by the same score. I think I can safely say that this is not going to happen! So well done to all those involved.
The Ladies A squad are on course to gain a much deserved promotion to Division 1, but this is by no means certain. The home clash with serious challengers Headley was rained off, and it will probably not be played until a weekend in September. The way things are shaping this could be a crucial end of season showdown! Come and support our brilliant Ladies.
The Ladies B squad still have chances to win promotion from Division 4, but their task is a little harder with Steep B and possibly The Avenue of Havant presenting serious challenges.
Our 10th Annual Tennis Week commences on Saturday 23rd July, with something for everyone, and with the likelihood of some Tournament Finals the following weekend, I am confronted with a page demanding energy sapping report for your September read. I’d better lie down!
What we need is some proper Summer weather to cheer us all up.
Mike Dimmer.