Ladies' First Team

CHERYL EVANS 

How long have you been a member of SLTC?  10 lovely years!

What made you join SLTC? I joined SLTC as I had moved back to Shropshire after spending time in Ireland for 18 months and before that I originally worked at the what as then known as The Shrewsbury Club.  I wanted a fresh start of club and work. So joined SLTC as a coach and as a player.

What’s your favourite tournament to watch? Of course WIMBLEDON, but would love to go to the Australian Open.

What’s your favourite shot to play? Backhand drive volley (and the dropshots that wind people up, ha ha...!!).

What's it like playing in an SLTC team?  I have enjoyed captaining the Firsts for last 10 years and the different people in my team but recently have had a steady squad who I love playing with as they make my life easy by being so committed and enthusiastic.

What's your go-to snack/drink during a match?  I am terrible and don’t eat or drink during matches, which I am getting better at so focus on having a bottle with me now. Love a little jelly baby from the team every now and then.

How is your team approaching this year’s competition? The Ladies' First Team are getting their diaries ready with Sunday morning trainings where hopefully some men will join us to spice up the hitting!!

Ladies' First Team:  Cheryl Evans (Captain); Emilie Gradwell, Alison McDonald, Lynda Richards

Men's First Team 

HARRISON GWILT

How long have you been a member of SLTC? I have been the Head Coach at SLTC for the past five years.

What made you join SLTC? I joined the club to lead all club coaching alongside my doubles partner, Mike Barton, just over five years ago. It’s been great to work at such a successful club with a healthy coaching programme.

What’s your favourite tournament to watch? Wimbledon is definitely my favourite tournament to watch. With its legacy and prestigious grounds, it’s always lovely to attend, and it makes a nice change to swap the tracksuit for something smarter!

What’s your favourite shot to play? My favourite shot has to be the interception volley. It’s incredibly satisfying when it works, but horribly agonising when it doesn’t.

What's it like playing in an SLTC team? Playing in the Premier Division is the highest level of tennis in Shropshire, so representing the First Team is nothing but hard work. It normally leaves me hobbling for days, but we all love the competitive fight.

What's your go-to snack/drink during a match?  I’m always prepared when playing matches - energy drinks, bananas, and I definitely recommend electrolyte tablets.

How is your team approaching this year’s competition? We have a title to defend, so the boys are training hard to give ourselves the best chance of winning the Premier Division again.

Men's First Team:  Harrison Gwilt (Captain); Mike Barton, Steve Hancock, Toby Holcroft, Alex Parry, Jacob Rogers, Harry Wyke