The Albany/Nedgroup Junior Open tournament started last Saturday with 18 mini tennis players under 8yrs competing in four r/robin groups.

The standard of play was very good for players so young. Results; Gr A 1. Cameron Roome, 2. Jake Turner,
3. Gethin Bufton, 4. Ed Coole, 5 Florence Leigh. Gr B 1 Calllum Larkin, 2. Phoebe Davies, 3. Militos Provatakis, 4. Henry Leigh. Gr C 1. Orry Farnworth, 2. Callum Davies, 3. Libby Moore, 4. Harry Leigh, 5. Molly Larkin. Gr D 1. Lucas Harding, 2. Cerys Davies, 3. James Plumley, 4. Liam Taverner. Players who finished 1st or 2nd in their group progressed to the knock-out stage - q/finals and the results were Cameron Roome bt Militos Provatakis 10-7; Lucas Harding bt Callum Davies 10-4; Orry Farnworth bt Cerys Davies 10-1;Callum Larkin bt Gethin Bufton 10-0; S/finals Cameron bt Lucas 10-5; Orry bt Callum 11-9. Final Orry bt Cameron 10-5. Tournament Referee, Ian Watson commented on the excellent standard and said the future of Albany’s junior tennis looks good. It was a good day for Orry Farnworth, who played above his age group and won. Under 9yrs r/r results 1. Orry, 2 Greg Kelly, 3 Oliver Freer, 4. Holly Roberts, 5 Leo Young. Entries in the U10 r/r event was a bit low but still the quality was good. 1. Orry Farnworth, 2. Sarah Long, 3. Caitlin Henery, 4. Greg Kelly, 5 Henry Davies. One pleasant feature was 5 girls playing in the U14s as usually the girls are shy and the few that will compete have to play the boys which is tough but good match experience. Play continues throughout the week with Finals Day on Saturday 23rd and presentation and tea at 4pm. Prizes will be presented by Mr Simon Spencer on behalf of Nedgroup Investments (IOM) Ltd.

Although the Nedgroup Finals Day is this coming Saturday the Mini Tennis 12noon and 1pm coaching session will still be held.

Everyone at the club both player – senior, junior and mini tennis, parents and club officials were sorry to hear that one of our coaches Martin Feely has had a spell in Nobles. He is home now and making progress but will be out of tennis for some time. Martin – we all send you our very best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.

Entry forms for the IOMLTA Veteran Closed Championships, which will be held at Albany from 7–14 May, are available at the club and will also be e-mailed to members. You only have to be over 35 to be classed as a veteran so this should attract a big entry. Entries should be sent to Ian Watson, Ferndale, Beaumont Road, Ramsey IM8 2HN or can be e-mailed to ianwatsonpts@manx.net or posted in the club’s post box in the clubroom. Entry forms have been sent to all Island clubs so I’m hoping to see a big entry.