Youngsters keen to play in open junior tennis tourney (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Youngsters keen to play in open junior tennis tourney

CIRENCESTER Tennis Club's Open Junior Tournament for ages ranging from U9s to U16s attracted a total of 125 players.

It is one of the few competitions which does not require an LTA rating, while entrants are restricted to youngsters whose rating is no better than 6.0, so less experienced players are attracted and for many it is their first such event.

While nearly all the matches were keenly fought in the event, held on Thursday of last week, the standard was a little mixed.

Nonetheless, it was most encouraging that these enthusiasts all played fairly and with a good degree of sportsmanship.

Georgina Jefferies, from the home club, did very well to win both the Ul6s and Ul4s girls events against very useful opposition in Cia Asprou and Aisling Hancock.

Sarah Thomas won the U12s girls against a very fit Georgia Rawlinson, Sarah showing much improved footwork to add to a useful range of shots.

All these girls, including Mary Saunders who won the U10s, and some others are very promising and they should now work mainly on shot selection and tactics, practising and being coached only in game situations.

Ben Banks was out of his class in the U16s boys' event, winning all his matches without being threatened.

The three other boys groups winners showed promise in trying to win points instead of playing over cautiously and merely hoping that the opponent would make a mistake.

The U9s entry consisted of eight boys and two girls with Robert Woodward beating Leo Popplewell in the final.

The round robin format created a good learning opportunity for these youngsters who all appeared to enjoy themselves immensely despite the intense heat.

Many thanks to Steve Humphries, Steve Isaacs, Robert Clifford, Patrick White and Georgina Jefferies who gave up their afternoon to help with the U9s and U10s.

Results: U9s (Mini Tennis Orange): Robert Woodward bt Leo Popplewell; U10s Girls: Mary Saunders won the Round Robin; U10s Boys: Jake Roberts bt Freddie Nisbett 6-1.

U12s Girls: Sarah Thomas bt Georgia Rawlinson 6-3, 6-3; U12s Boys: Billy Harvey bt Charles Hobhouse 6-2, 6-4; U14s Girls: Georgina Jefferies bt Aisling Hancock 6-2, 6-1; U14s Boys: Max Marcq bt Douglas Hull 6-5, 3-6, 6-1.

U16s Girls: Georgina Jefferies bt Cia Asprou 6-3, 6-2; U16s Boys: Ben Banks bt Chris Hearne two sets to nil.

Organisers Penny Allberry, Heather Jefferies and Dudley Georgeson, who also refereed, were pleased with the good size of entry at a time when, for a number of reasons, some tournaments are being cancelled for lack of support.

The club has had a tremendous response to the Mini Tennis Courses during the holidays with over 20 for each course.

Ian Reid, who has done the Junior Group coaching, has reported full courses for the first two.

His last course runs week commencing August 18 and anyone interested in snapping up the remaining places should contact Ian on 01242 693988.

Courses starting in September are also filling up fast.

Please contact Penny Allberry on 01285 653140 for the Mini Tennis (6-10 years), Adult Workshops on Monday mornings plus individual coaching, and Ian Reid on 01242 693988 for the Junior Groups.