Junior tennis inter-insulars return after long absence
The junior tennis inter-insular is set to make its long-awaited return this weekend – despite one significant obstacle for the Jersey hosts.
Last week’s torrential rain caused devastation to the Caesarean Tennis Club grounds in Grands Vaux, with one of the covering bubbles collapsing from the deluge as flooding submerged the outdoor courts.
The sorry scene has led to officials and members rallying to clean up the after-effects of the flooding.
Jersey Tennis Association chairwoman Sonia Smith has thanked Grainville head coach Rychlund Aldridge for a kind offer to use their facilities, while James Faudemer is providing his own courts in St Clement as a secondary back-up option.
Podcast: Listen to interviews with Guernsey tennis coach Jo Robinson, CI LTA chair Gerald Hough, and Mike Williams from new sponsor Hiscox on this week's Guernsey Press Sport Podcast
‘It is the first time since the pandemic that we have scheduled to host the junior inter-insular and it is such an important day to our younger players,’ Smith said.
‘To see so many involved in the sport offer a hand during a difficult time is one of the many reasons I love our game.’
Currently the likelihood is that the event will go ahead, with Grainville as the preferred back-up location.
The inter-insular will provide a welcome competitive opportunity for Guernsey’s 18-and-under boys’ and girls’ sides to compete off-island, while a separate event will take place on local soil for the 14-and-under boys.
Video: Coach Jo Robinson on the return of junior inter-insular matches
Guernsey coach Jo Robinson appreciates the value of the junior inter-insular and hopes it can become an annual fixture.
‘It’s really vital for our young players to be exposed to more competitive matches as they continue to progress in the sport,’ she said.
‘The Guernsey players are incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to represent their island and I know they will give everything on the court and try to bring home the trophies.’
It comes as Guernsey Tennis and Padel announce a two-year deal with Hiscox to become their new lead partner, with a view to focusing on the development of both sports at junior levels.
Guernsey teams to face Jersey this weekend:
Boys 18 and under (in Jersey)
Alex Paul, Ellis Lockwood, Zac Taylor, Liam de la Mare.
Girls 18 and under (in Jersey)
Lara Gavey, Amelie Clark, Chloe de la Mare, Chloe Guille.
Boys 14 and under (in Guernsey)
Jack Bachmann, Rupert Dorey, Luca Robertson, Josh Neville.
