Longson, Dyer the pick of schools' players in April

MATTHEW LONGSON and Joanna Dyer were named as the Guernsey schools' April players of the month in a competition sponsored by St Margaret's Lodge Hotel. Longson won for his efforts within the club. Willing to learn and work hard in squad sessions, consequently his all-round game has improved.

In the Saturday league, he lies third in Division One but in the final week of the month he topped it.

Rosie Davis was his closest rival with first place in Division Four. Still only 10, she is developing into a good player. Very competitive, she runs the ball down well and can hit with good topspin on both sides.

The highlight of the month was a three-set match for fourth place in the Road to Wimbledon 14-and-under competition.

Dyer's award was for achievements in competition. At the beginning of the month, she had two fine wins against top Jersey opposition in Jersey. Later in the month, with her partner, Megan Hearse, also 13, she helped the Guernsey schools' second team to a fine win over Kings Three, in the FletcherSports Ladies League Division Two. Dyer also won the Road to Wimbledon from Hearse.

Alistair Higgins was runner-up with a win over Jonny Taylor to take the Road to Wimbledon title. He also had wins in Jersey and the UK for the Channel Islands under-14 team.

Daniel Thomas heads Division One in the Saturday league, but has not had it his own way every week. Adam Potter, Oliver Shier, Longson and Michael Gomes have all taken games off him and he will have to be at his best to keep the top spot next month.

Brandon Harrison takes a narrow one-point lead into May. Harry Martel, his closest rival, is very consistent and has the ability to move up a division.

Rosie Davis, Mitchell Le Tissier, Alice Davis and Simeone Blanchard top their divisions, but Lucas and Marie van der Hauwaert, Keeleigh Le Tissier, Tom Riley and Freya MacAngus have shown much promise.

* Anyone wishing to play should contact Geoff Martel on 253009.