Guernsey Tennis Centre drawn with the big boys

SARNIAN tennis has smashed its way into the big time. This year the Guernsey Tennis Centre men's team will be facing the clout and tradition of Queen's - one of the most exclusive and expensive clubs in the world - in the Kia National Club League.

The Queen's club, founded in 1886, plays host to the prestigious Stella Artois tournament which over the last 25 years has been entered by 22 Wimbledon champions.

But the centre will play host to the prestigious West Kensington club rather than vice versa.

'We're really excited about playing against Queen's but unfortunately we won't be playing there,' said island stalwart Richard Smeed.

Also in the same league are Roehampton, who host the Wimbledon qualifiers, and the University of Bath, the leading British tennis academy.

The juicy prospect came about when the GTC were moved from NCL's south-west zone to the south, which includes London.

This league was graced by young sensation Andy Murray only a year ago.

With star Pieter Theron no longer available, the Sarnian team will be relying on a young crop to win the singles rubbers while the old guard such as Ian Robinson and Smeed will steady the heads and shore up the doubles.

Dominic McLuskey will be flown back regularly from Nice where he is currently attending an academy. Other rising aces Rob West and Pat Ogier may also be tempted back, though they are further afield.

'Dominic has been tempted back by the prospect of playing in this league, reflecting its high standards,' said Smeed.

'It is fantastic for us older players to see the youngsters get these opportunities that weren't around when we were young.'

The first game is away at Raynes Park on April Fool's Day and their first home game is Cumberland on Sunday 9 April.

The highlight occurs on 21 May when Queen's visit the island, just three weeks before the Stella Artois tournament.