ANDREW BAINBRIDGE

How long have you been a member of SLTC? Approximately 5 years, after retiring from an unsuccessful squash career.

What made you join SLTC?  Kerry, my wife, had been a member here and got me into tennis plus I was attracted to the grass courts and the cold Salopians served at the socials behind the bar.

What’s your favourite tournament to watch?  I actually really enjoy the US Open, the Brits seem to do well in it. Plus it's on at night, so you’ve got no excuses to not lounge on the sofa.

What’s your favourite shot to play?  It has to be the lob, nothing better than seeing the whites of your opponent's eyes as they realise what’s happened, then watch them turn and run like the fire alarm has gone off. Plus it tires them out…so yeah, that’s my favourite. 

What's it like playing in an SLTC team?  Best thing I did tennis wise; competing really sharpens your mind and game. I love the camaraderie with my team mates and getting to meet other players from around Shropshire. I would definitely recommend it to fellow members thinking of doing it. Nothing better than a league match to get those knees knocking.

What's your go-to snack/drink during a match? I stop at the shop on the way there and get fizzy fish, Haribo’s and wine gums and hand them out. Drink wise, I normally have loads of water available and a cheaper version of Lucozade Sport...other brands are available.

How is your team approaching this year’s competition?  The lads are really focused on getting promoted; we narrowly missed out last year, so are keen to go one better. They are a great bunch of team members and competitive players who have also become friends. You know when we’ve had a good result as we’ll post it on the members chat.  If it goes silent, you know we’ve lost. They are all united in realising our dream of an open top bus ride parading the Division 8S trophy around Shrewsbury, FA Cup winners style.

Men's (Super) Seventh Team:  Andrew Bainbridge (Captain);  Ben Ashford, Glyn Davies, Nick Haw, Patrick Oszczepalski, Andrew Shenton, Andrew Stone, Chris Walmsley, Lewis Wilcox

To see when you can watch the teams in action in their home matches, at SLTC, over the summer season - click here to view the fixture list.  

Courtside supporters would be very welcome and much appreciated and might just give our teams that extra edge...!