Match practice is key to a new series

THE IPES Junior Tennis Club Circuit got under way at St Martin's Tennis Club on Saturday. It was the first of four events designed to bring players from all the island's clubs together in competition.

Sixteen players from the four different clubs took part.

The ages ranged from under-10s and 12s to older players who have just started in the sport.

'The main aim of the events is to provide match practice for young players and to encourage older, inexperienced players into competition,' said tournament organiser Jo Robinson.

'The round-robin format ensures that players play several short matches against opponents of similar ability.'

Elliot Clark topped the older competitors in Group A with wins over Nick Harris and Andre Le Poidevin. Clark is a late starter to the game but this did not show as he demonstrated great shot-making prowess from the back of the court.

Harris and Le Poidevin had a real ding-dong for second place, with Harris eventually coming out on top 6-3. The toughest match in the second group was between Matthew Stokes and Thomas Ruff.

The two ran down each other's shots all match but it was Stokes who finished victor 6-4. Harry Stephens won group C.

This was a fine effort considering the section contained Sam Hale and Jack Oldfield who both have sound tactical knowledge and have many of the technical skills as well.

Left-hander Luke Hunter took the fourth group after a close match with James Hunt and Tom Nightingale was the champion of the U8s in Group E.

The next event takes place at La Mare de Carteret Tennis Club, at 1pm on Sunday. For more information, contact Rose de la Mare at cilta@cwgsy.net or on 713125.