GSTC girls go so close

THE Guernsey Schools Tennis Club nearly pulled off a major shock in the Channel Islands finals of the National Junior Club Leagues. Playing against Caesarean Club from Jersey, the Sarnians led 2-1 only to be edged out in the deciding doubles.

Olivia Cooney, playing at number one, beat Alex Taylor 7-5, 6-1, while Joanna Dyer, playing at number two, went down against the stylish Kirsten McArthur.

Megan Hearse played the match of her life against Nicolle Dubras. The beginning of the first set was very even but as Hearse started to take control her opponent became frustrated and made many errors. Hearse went on to take the set 6-3.

The second set followed a similar pattern with Hearse hitting strongly on the backhand and putting variety into her forehand shots, forcing Dubras into mistakes and taking the match 6-2.

With Guernsey Schools 2-1 up, it was all on the doubles.

Cooney partnered Isabelle Wray but both players took time to get into their stride.

They lost the first set but worked together much better in the second and with the tie evenly balanced the Jersey girls went to a very defensive formation and relied on consistent stroke play to edge the tie 6-3, Jersey thereby taking a highly-competitive match 3-2.

The Guernsey Schools' boys' team played extremely well with Alistair Higgins taking the Jersey number one, James Faudener to three sets.

With the scores at 1-6, 6-1, Higgins attacked his opponent well and with scores even at the halfway stage, a few close calls saw the tie go to Jersey 6-4.

Although very disappointed, Higgins showed he has the ability and temperament to hold his own at this level.

Jonny Taylor also had a tough game against CI county player Charlie Cohen. Although he narrowly lost 6-4, 6-3, Taylor served and returned well.

Paul Cave played Jonathan van Neste and showed what an improved player he is despite losing 6-2, 7-5.