An interesting week with not much tennis to report as Callum wreaks his vengeance on our hallowed isles. The Girl’s 14s and Mixed Bees did manage to play on Saturday but the Men’s A-TEAM couldn’t bring their plan together this week. Photo: Girl's 14s at home to Winchester.
I am just back from a lovely dog walk: well more of a comfort loop for the dog who rapidly reaches a terminal wetness after which it seems to make no difference how much more water is dumped on her coat. And the rain plays on.
Saturday was so different. Well it was a little damp but I was considering cancelling the match on Wednesday as the forecast showed showers or light rain from 0800 which would suggest the courts would be unplayable by 1230. However the sun came out just as we started – hence the team photo in sunshine. Not that it lasted long. Our girls were in trouble from before they started. Erin Perry faced a 7.2 rated player (she is 9.2) and was soon back in the Pavilion. Xanthe Gibbs was playing her first ever league match and her only other experience was in the club championships. She volunteered to play when Erinayu pulled out with an ankle injury so congratulations to Xanthe for putting herself in the firing line. Her opponent was a girl just needing one win to move to 10.1 so it was no surprise that she lost. As with Erin, the game scores hide the points won which are so valuable to a less experienced player. The doubles was a little better with our girls at least winning a game along the way. This is a development league – well it is supposed to be that – and we are in that phase when our stars have moved on or are over-qualified for the winter leagues.
Up the road at Compton it was really sunny. Steve & Christine Johnson started with a quick win 6-1, 6-1 so they could enjoy the sun. Nigel Green & Julie Kelly celebrated Nigel’s return to tennis by winning 5-7, 6-3, 1-0 to give us a clear lead at half time. Steve & Christine then continued their good form winning 6-1, 6-2 while Nigel & Julie continued to gain match practice by winning 6-7, 6-1, 1-0. Apart from the desire to play tie-breaks it was a straightforward win. It was great to have Nigel back to his winning ways.
Apart from that there is not much to report. The committee meeting went well with no real fisticuffs to tell you about (I wouldn’t do that anyway). The AGM will be on Thursday 13th November at 1830: come along as there are important issues to vote upon. Also if you would like to volunteer in any capacity please do so as several people are retiring from the committee. We would particularly like to hear from someone with book-keeping or accountancy experience who can take over the Treasurer role: our current treasure is finding that work, baby care and TTC books a bit too much to handle.
Remember that the Pavilion courts will be closed for cleaning from 22nd to 26th October. Should this be finished early please check the Home page of the website to see if they can be used. DO NOT USE THEM IF THE CLOSURE SIGNS ARE STILL UP as chemical treatment is used to control moss growth so keep off.
VOLUNTEERS are wanted on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28st October to remove the gravel from the drain along the side of the court closest to the pavilion. This is clogged with silt from the court cleaning and hence supports wild flower growth but more importantly allows water to drain straight across the patio and into the pavilion. If we have 6 volunteers this should be finished pretty quickly but if it is the usual one or two it may take a bit longer.
Next week: Saturday 20th October: Mixed Aces at home to Swanmore and Mixed Cees away to Southampton University A. Girl’s 16s are meant to be at Avondale. Sunday 21st October the Ladies Angels are at home to Warsash B.
Title: James Taylor, 1971.