Our sunlit Open Day in early April heralded the arrival of another action packed season of tennis, and the afternoon was attended by a host of members anticipating the competition and fun ahead. We welcomed the return of Julian Poole, and new member Sally Pattie who represents Buriton in the East Hants league, more is the pity.
Our East Hants League squads have been basking in the memories of a brilliant 2016, with 3 impressive trophies secured from their considerable efforts. However, the beckoning season ahead takes on a more daunting outlook, especially for our Ladies A squad who are now in the Top Division where the standard of tennis will escalate. A season to be enjoyed, and hopefully we will maintain our presence in the upper echelons for many seasons to come. The Ladies B squad have been promoted to Division 3, which should be somewhat less challenging, and it is not beyond their powers to gain another promotion. The Mixed team are now in Division 2 and they will enjoy a much higher level of competition, although progress to the Top Division sets a formidable task.
We can perhaps be hopeful that our Men’s squad will improve on their third position in Division 4, with some promising youngsters coming through to support the experienced seniors, who may lack a little in the flexibility department. 42 matches later all will be revealed!
With the growing league fixtures it is perhaps inevitable that interest in our Annual Tournament may dwindle somewhat. Although a more contributory factor is a lack of youngsters coming through, resulting in the absence of a Boys’ and Girls’ event this year. As a result of our excellent coaching scheme I believe some young girls may be available for a small competition this summer. Any tennis loving youngsters out there are most welcome to join us.
On to our six events starting with the Men’s Singles. Andy Major returns to defend his title, and in the context of our Club he sets a high standard indeed. Ollie Sanders, despite an important exam year, would have found time for improving his game during the winter, and will make a bold effort to bridge the gap with the number one seed! Is this the time, we will see? Andrew Wilson-Smith will be an earlier obstacle for Ollie to overcome, with Andy Craig best of the remainder. A mention is given to 13 year old Jonny Green, a big improver last year when winning our Boys’ title, and already a towering 6ft/1. With an excellent temperament and huge potential, he is one to watch!
The Men’s A Doubles provides our only round robin event this year with 3 pairs in each Group. Young guns Ollie Sanders and George Pettifer are the holders and look the ones to beat. A now fully fit Andrew Wilson and Andy Craig will provide serious opposition, along with Guy Lamming and Dik Van Lomwel. David Sanders teams up with Julian Poole who can hopefully regain his form of old.
The Men’s B Doubles has just 8 pairs, with Archie and Harry Challen defending their title. They defeated second seeds Josef Amin and Jonny Green in the semi’s last year, but the youngsters should have improved sufficiently to reverse this result should they meet in the final. Josef and Jonny are taken to win their first doubles trophy.
Globe-trotting Ailsa Green is on a gap year and is unlikely to defend her Ladies Singles trophy. This leaves the door open for Nikki Sanders when she returns from a year of studies (with plenty of tennis thrown in) at Loughborough University. We can expect some degree of further improvement in her stylish game, and she may prove too strong for the excellent Emma Amin, and Sian Green.
Ailsa and Nikki seem set to team up in defence of their Ladies Doubles title. They should follow up and retain their trophy, although Emma and Sian, Kate Hogan and Sarah Jeffries, and Anna Moore and Rebecca Ruff provide most worthy opposition. Annie Dennig and Gill Lawson add to the interest.
The popular Family Mixed attracts 10 pairs, with last seasons’ winners Emma and Josef Amin defending their title. Serious opposition will come from Guy and Dilly Lamming, Steve and Gabby Watson and my idea of the winners Sian and Jonny Green.
Those members who feel they are not involved enough do come along toour Thursday Club Evenings, now underway. Lots of fun and a bar too boot!
Here’s to a great summer of tennis. Let the fun (and battle) begin!
Mike Dimmer.