Juniors quick to impress as serves go under the gun

AN EXCELLENT turnout of members and prospective ones at its open day has started the new season on a high note for St Martin's Tennis Club. A year ago it invested in new carpets on its five courts and the new surface is now well and truly bedded down and is first-class for all standards of play.

During 2006, Geoff Martel's Guernsey Schools' Club joined St Martin's and the enthusiasm from all players was noticeable as they are keen to integrate the new juniors.

Members and guests had the chance to test the speed of their serve against the speed gun.

Josh McClean may not have reached the world record standards of Andy Roddick at 155mph, but a one-off 101mph set the day's record, with Adam Potter consistently in the mid-90s. It goes to show how powerfully young players can serve and hit the ball.

The best adult was Richard Battey.

The juniors took the honours in the women's event, with Joanna Dyer at 63mph just beating her doubles partner, Megan Hearse, by two. Venus Williams holds the professional record at just over 127mph.

Junior co-coordinator Martel said that the serve was one of the most important parts of the game and it was good to see everyone having a go.

'This gave our junior players an opportunity to measure themselves and set targets for the future. They sometimes underestimate their ability and this gives them something tangible to work on.'

The event was sponsored by Fletcher Sports and prizes were awarded to the top players.

* The club has sessions aimed at senior members and competent juniors on Friday evenings and anyone interested in learning more is recommended to come along on these evenings from 6pm.