Mens A Team are top of their division
The combined Newry/Warrenpoint Men’s A Team is on the brink of victory this week. Having had resounding wins on their home turf of 5/0 on 3 occasions they are now 2 points ahead of the other teams in division 2. In the coming week they have an away match in Donaghadee and need to win 3/2 to clinch the division. The team has been using a bank of 7 players with everyone giving their all on each occasion. Captain Gary McLoughlin has got back on form again after a slow start to the season. Oldo Drahovzeal has been a banker every time he plays. The skills of Giby Vettiankal, Tim Smith and Lee Ryan have tested the opposition. Young Justin Philpott at just 16 years of age has more than stepped up to the mark and is surely following in his father’s footsteps to become greatly feared every time he steps on court. Stephen Philpott has also been on winning form.
Other news this week in Newry Tennis Club. The singles ladder has been reinstated in the club with 45 players so far committed to taking part. The ladder has been roughly seeded on the basis of performance in the winter and autumn leagues. The ladder is based on ability rather than age or gender to allow as many competitive challenges to ensue. There is also a doubles ladder with 30 competitors mostly in single sex pairings. So far the Connell siblings have been active this week with Brendan Connell jumping 6 places by successfully challenging Derval Campbell in a 3 set marathon lasting 3 hours and finishing at 12/10 in the third set. The Connells then challenged Derval again along with her partner Carmel Richmond but on this occasion they were unsuccessful as they lost the second set in a tiebreak. The other challenge this week was Jamie Campbell versus John O’Hare which was unsuccessful for the younger player as wily John was determined not to let youth beat experience.
The junior leagues have also started this weekend with 8 juvenile teams taking part, again from the combined clubs of Newry and Warrenpoint.
On Sunday Newry Tennis Club is hosting the Olympic Tennis challenge for post-primay children who are not competing in the B&D league. Up to 10 children from the 3 local tennis clubs [ Newry, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor] will compete as teams to win the Olympic prize.
The Coaching programme with Professional Coach Brett Cochran restarts on Thursday 24th April. Cost £45 for members, £55 non-members for 8 weeks of top quality coaching. To secure a place phone Brett on 0774 800 5981.
Results
Men’s Singles
A Team Division 2
Newry/Warrenpoint 5 Cavehill 0
B Team Division 5
Donaghadee 3 Newry/Warrenpoint 2
Ladies Singles
A Team Division 2
Newry/Warrenpoint 1 David Lloyd 2
B Team Division 3
Cavehill 2 Newry/Warrenpoint 1