For a change I don't have to write the report on part of the Final's day as my Cub Reporter was on the ground - so to speak. Read on
As grey clouds loomed over the courts the mini players gathered around to begin a morning of tennis that turned out to be very exciting and most importantly good fun! Our list of competitors came from many age groups. Photo: The Mini "Winners"
The tennis was enjoyable and, as a coach, produced a lot of pride. I hope it has given those Juniors who don’t play so often the motivation to pick up their Racket and compete outside the club! Despite the plethora of different abilities, the sportsmanship and joy of the game came through and few arguments occurred. Possibly the most exciting part of the Mini tournament was young Ben Lax taking on his older brother Tom and taking him to 5-5 then beating him 7-5. Bear in mind we were playing first to 6 points and you must be 2 points ahead to win the match. However, all the other players competed in close and well fought matches. Well done! Our winner was Marcin Kornijucz (following in his sister’s footsteps?), followed closely by Olek Kudla and Jamie Pitman taking 3rd, but well done to all our runners-up for taking part, these were: Joshua Cutmore, Guru Nagaragan, Ben Lax, Tom Lax and William Eccles. Thank you for all playing and getting out there to compete some more! Thanks to all the parents who came to support their kid's sport.
The grey clouds were still not moving by the time Slavek had FINALLY made his way from the Theatre courts to the mini courts for the Parent and Child tournament. (by which time Leon had fortified himself with a Hamburger - well I think it was a singular) Now this was meant to be for “fun” but that didn’t compute in Matt Pitman’s mind as he and his son Jamie took on the rest, hungry for a title. Amazingly they ended up tying on matches with the Elliot’s - four matches each. But more on that soon. There were many a match and many fathers told off but one very exciting match was between the Kornijczuk and the Kudla’s. This was really something. Balls flying with pin point accuracy over the mini courts from both the elders and kids. The match was reminiscent of the Bryan brothers playing, with Marcin hitting a beautiful drive volley at one point, something I am still attempting to master. Many other fantastic shots were played by all and it seems everyone enjoyed the whole event. Unfortunately, I had to leave early to sort out some music things but after I’d calmed down my Dad from the calamity of two pairs having to wait in a Parent and Junior tournament, he took good control of the organisation of the remainder of the tournament. As I mentioned, in the end the Pitman’s and the Elliot’s were tying. So, my Dad decided to find a winner on total point difference. As the Pitman’s won a total of 44 points and lost a total of 26 points they got a score difference of 18 which is greater than the Elliott’s 13. But certainly close. The Elliott’s were followed Kudla’s. But well done again to the other running up clans: the Kornijucz, the Cutmore’s and the Savilles. Maybe we should do these more regularly? My thanks to all those who came to Watch, Participate and Support the entire event, you were wonderful!
For the rest of the report you will have to wait until my Dad is not exhausted. Thank you though it kept him quiet for once.
The rest f the proceedings will be reported tomorrow.
Title: Father's Child: 2016: Michael Kiwanuka (Leon chose that too!) he will take over the whole column soon...