Inexperienced Sarnians put up plucky fight in final

THE Guernsey Schools' Tennis Club 12 and under boys put up a spirited performance against an older and more experienced Caesarean team in the final of the CI Club Championship. Playing at one, Harry Martel was overwhelmed by the power of Will Falle and lost the first set 6-1.

The latter's serve had Martel standing several metres back from the baseline.

However, Martel had the measure of his opponent in the second set, mixing consistent returns with a variety of shots to take it 7-5.

However, the final championship break was won by Falle 10-5.

Tony Paluch, playing at two, suffered in much the same way, losing the first set 6-3.

He grew in confidence in the second, hitting deep returns and accurate volleys.

Unfortunately, his opponent, Dan Scriven, pulled things back to 5-5 and as the pressure points were played, Paluch made some uncharacteristic mistakes and lost 7-5.

Playing at three, Harry Stephens was always going to have his work cut out against Chris Van Neste, but he gave the Jersey player a scare in the second set before the match was won at 6-4. Stephens showed that he has the capability of playing at this level.

The final match was the doubles between Martel, Paluch and Falle, Dupay.

Again, the experience and age of the Jersey players saw them edge the first set on a tie-break.

However, the Guernsey pair stuck to their game plan of working on the weaker player - Dupay - and lost only one game in the second set. Once again it was down to a championship tie-break, which both teams had a chance of winning.

Martel and Paluch took an early lead at 7-2, but the Jersey pair clawed their way back to 7-6. However, it took a few more points before the match was settled in Jersey's favour 15-13.

This was an excellent performance by all the Guernsey players, who will still be in this age group next year.