Last Saturday the club “celebrated” the new surface on the three outdoor courts and everything went according to plan but also helped by a shower at about 2pm. This gave a good demonstration of how quickly players can be back on court. HE Lt Governor, Adam Wood had agreed to play a few games as an official christening. He was welcomed to the club by President, Bryan Sharp and Chairman Stuart Colligon and first watched the club’s top under 8 squad on a coaching session with their coach, Martin Feely.
The children impressed HE with their skills and court movement. Thence to court one and after cutting the ribbon he was joined on court with Katie Harris (15), Jay Skelcher-Maxwell (13) and club president Bryan Sharp. They played four games which ended amicably 2-2 with approximately 30 - 40 spectators applauding the rallies. Thence everyone adjourned to the club lounge to enjoy a splendid cocktail buffet prepared by Sean Maxwell and champagne. A “tennis court” cake was cut by the Chairman, Stuart Colligon and Secretary, Pat Sharp. Stuart thanked His Excellency for playing the official opening, everyone for attending and particularly those who had made very generous donations and loans towards the heavy cost of having the courts laid. HE LT GOV. said the courts were extremely good, the surface gave sure footing and actually felt springy, which should be kinder to the joints. Members can now look forward to playing outdoors more often all year around. The next social/fundraiser will be the Annual Quiz night early next year – the date is not fixed yet.
A few more results from the Albany/Auxesia Junior Open – U18 mixed singles s/f Adam Pyatt-Coppell bt Jay Skelcher-Maxwell 6/1 6/2, Max Walker bt Katie Harris 7/5 5/7 (10-7). Final Adam bt Max 6/2 6/2. U12 Mixed singles – q/f Oliver Wait bt Oliver Dean 4/2 4/1; s/f Jack Christian bt Zac Walker 4/1 3/5 (12-10), Oliver Wait bt Patrick McCord 4/1 4/2; Final Jack bt Oliver 4/1 4/1. U10 mixed singles r/r winner Roch Mirski 4 wins, 2nd Jayden Go 3 wins, 3rd Charlotte Clarke 2 wins.
WIMBLEDON 2015 – reminder to ALL members aged 9 or older. If you wish to be entered in the ballot for Wimbledon tickets you must have a British Tennis Membership number. If you have one you should have received an e-mail inviting you to OPT IN to the ballot. If you don’t have a BTM no please register on line on the LTA website. The more BT members the club has the better our allocation of tickets. So please do that this week.
Another of our juniors played in tournaments in the UK during half-term, Roch Mirski (10) played grade 3 tournaments in West Bridgford, winning two of his four matches plus finishing 3rd in the consolation event. Then at the Riverside Junior Open in Bedford, Rock played 8 matches winning 3. Playing in the UK is a great way to gain match experience. Always playing people you know doesn’t stretch a players skills. Well done Roch and if any other juniors play in the UK please let me know your results.
Finally a new supply of junior Auxesia shirts has now arrived and are available at the club on Saturdays from 12 – 3pm at a cost of ?10. Age range from 4yrs – 14 yrs.
