The Albany Club Championships sponsored by Auxesia Ltd was concluded on Saturday apart from the men’s doubles which had to be delayed until Tuesday. Despite all the heavy rain overnight on Friday the drying qualities of the new courts lived up to expected standards and all matches were played outdoors on dry courts but in gusty conditions. At the conclusion of the men’s and women’s finals the prizes were presented by the club Chairman, Stuart Colligon who also represented the sponsor. Referee, Ian Watson, was particularly pleased with the very young players (under 8) playing in their first tournament. There was also U8 event for the more “experienced”. Results: U8 Mixed singles - Grade 3 r/r Grp. A winner Sarah Long, r/up Greg Kelly; Gr B winner Orry Farnworth, r/up Callum Hunter; Gr C winner Henry Telford, r/up Cobi Healy. Final r/r – winner Sarah Long, r/up Henry Telford. U8 Grade 4 – winner –Gr A Jessica Brodie r/up Callum Larkin; Group B winner Hollie Roberts r/up James Brodie; Final Jessica Brodie bt Hollie Roberts 10-5.
U9 Mixed singles r/r winner Charlotte Clarke r/up Aaron Hempsall. U10 Mixed singles Final: Roch Mirski bt Jayden Go 5/3 4/1. Mixed Singles U18 – q/f Vladimir Tsagor w/o Jay Skelcher-Maxwell, Katie Harris bt Max Walker 6/3 6/4, s/f Adam Pyatt-Coppell bt Vladimir 6/1 6/1, Katie bt Sasha Thomas 6/1 6/4 Final Adam bt Katie 6/3 6/2..Men’s singles Gr 1 – Final Calvin Smith bt David Bufton 6/4 6/3. Men’s singles main draw – s/f Sean Drewry bt Alastair Montgomerie 6/1 6/2, finalAdam Pyatt-Coppell bt Sean Drewry 7/6 ret. Women’s Singles Final Katie Harris bt Elena Snidal 6/4 3/6 (10-5).
Men’s Doubles – still to be played. Women’s Doubles – Final Hannah & Elena Snidal bt Kirsten Hall/Jackie Russell 6/3 6/3. Mixed Doubles – Final Stuart Colligon/Kirsten Hall bt David Winnell/Jackie Russell 6/3 6/1.
The club’s Mini Tennis programme for all juniors under 10yrs has seen a big increase in numbers and the club now has 100 mini members spread across U8, U9 and U10yrs. On Saturdays approximately 40 – 45 under 8s regularly attend the one hour sessions which start at 12 noon with children as young as 4 yrs. When at the club on Saturday’s for register duty, I am amazed at how such small children soon master forehands, backhands and under-arm serves. There are sessions on Sunday and throughout the week which cover the U9 (orange ball) and U10 (green ball). There is also a Tuesday club session and groups on Mondays (Tour Squad) as well as coaching throughout the week. If half the Mini members continue with their lessons the club will consider the programme, which is sponsored by Auxesia Ltd a very worthwhile exercise.
Tickets – (?8 for fish & chips and ?6 for sausage & chips) for the Night at the Races, on 7 November – start at 7.30pm are now available from Kirsten Hall – kirstenolsen123@gmail.com, Jan Gaskill jan.Gaskill@gmail.com or me albanytennispr@manx.net. There is a limit of 50 places so place your order early. Pre-payment would be appreciated so that we don’t spend the evening collecting money.
Raffle tickets are on sale in the clubhouse – there are some good prizes including a Wilson multi-racquet bag donated by Albany’s former coach, Colin Hanbidge who made a brief visit to the club on Saturday. If any member wants a Race sheet or if you can find a Race sponsor please contact me.
Finally congratulations to Phil Hennessey and his wife on the birth of a son, Robert. No doubt Phil will have his name down for the Mini Tennis.
Photo - Auxesia Club Champs 2014.
