Our winter league captains reflect on the season so far.

At Hale LTC we play in the East Cheshire Winter Tennis League and this season we had the opportunity to field 6 mixed doubles teams. We have 132 members registered to play, evenly split between men and women. The format is simple, each match has 8 standard sets; 2 Mens Doubles, 2 Women's Doubles and 4 Mixed Doubles. It's a fantastic way to stay sharp over the winter period, play with new partners and enjoy the great mix of competitive and inclusive tennis.

We're now part way through the second half of the season but there are still opportunities to get involved for those who haven't yet signed up. If you are interested, please message Will Lloyd on 07786326696

Our teams play from Division 3 to Division 14, with our 5th and 6th teams being new additions to the winter league. Our captains from each of the teams have kindly sent a season update to let us know how they are getting on.

HLTC 6th Team - Division 14A

Team Captain: Will Lloyd

One of two new teams added to the club's winter season, we are a great combination of experienced team players, new members and social players. 13 players in total have turned out and with 4 games to go, we're still on the look out for those who want to try out some competitive doubles. A special shout out to Kay Royle who has played 4 out of 7 matches and helped me out as captain in some of those.

We're currently 10th in the division. But with 4 matches left to play, we could gain more points!

HLTC 5th Team - Division 11

Team Captain: Giles Chesher

A great start to our first season in Winter League for the 5th team in Division 11. We didn’t really know what to expect having been randomly assigned to Div 11. A 6-2 loss to Poynton was a disappointing start to the season (largely my fault) but we are since unbeaten, with draws against Prestbury and Ryecroft and 6-2 wins against top of the table West Heaton and Brabyns.

We are currently sat in 4th equal on points with Grappenhall and 1 point below Urmston, with both of them still to play. A couple of weather affected matches mean we’ve still got 3 home matches and 1 away match still to play and we are looking forward to the rest of the season.

HLTC 4th Team

Team Captain: Richard Flint - Division 9

A rather stop-start feel to the beginning of the season with 3 matches postponed due to the weather. Nevertheless, an unbeaten run up until Christmas with 3 wins from 3 matches, including victory over Hale Village. Sitting in a strong mid-table position with matches in hand - hoping to continue our good form from last year.

HLTC 3rd Team - Division 6

Steve Halliwell & Georgie Timothy

As we get to the last few months of the season the 3rds have had a solid start to the campaign. We’re currently 6th in a league of 12, so a decent mid table position. Hopefully safe, but also well placed to keep the top teams interested in us if we can go on a bit of a run in the second half of the season.

We’ve had 15 different players involved so far, 7 men and 8 ladies. Thanks especially to Hayley and Richard for most appearances to date having both played 4 each. Apart from Woodside 1st and Hale Village 1st in the No1 and No2 spot, the league is very close. However, we have played a game or two more than some teams, so we need to stay competitive with 4 matches to play, and by the time we finish Spring will be round the corner!

HLTC 2nd Team - Division 4

Team Captain: Susie Brown

Great start to the winter season with the team-squad winning 6 out of 8 matches with just 1 defeat against, ‘The Northern 2’, 5-3, so only just missing out on a victory.

6 Wins against Heyes Grove 1 – Bramhall Lane 2 – Ryecroft 1 - Lindow 1 – & The Albert 4- 1 draw against Didsbury. There are 2 matches left to play then it will be Summer Tennis.

HLTC 1st Team - Division 3

Team Captain: Pete Murray

Hale 1sts have enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning all 6 matches and an impressive 46 of 48 sets. We hope to continue the form in the second half of the season.

Photo by Todd Trapani on Unsplash