Thanks to Tom from the Ryde Mead Tennis Club for this report on recent mini-tennis championships. Well done to all involved. Ed
Young Andy Murray wannabes from over across the Island (and Portsmouth) fought it out at the IOW Mini-Tennis Championships hosted at Ryde Mead Tennis Club.
Players from Ryde Mead TC, Ryde Lawn TC, Gurnard Pines TC, Portsmouth ITC and the relatively new Newport TC and Westbay TC came together in what turned out to be a brilliant display of tennis in difficult windy conditions.
The mini-red (U8) competition saw plenty of new faces enter their first competition ever. With notable performances from Isaac Humphries, Lily Ahmed and the youngest player of the competition Freddie Gurney, who at just 5 years old is the youngest ever entry into the tournament!
Following the close group stages, four players emerged into the Semi-Finals, Rory Buckeridge, Henry McLuckie, Jake Wright and Ryan Hughes. Ryan went into the Semis as the hot favourite after coming though his group unbeaten. However Henry defeated Ryan 10 – 5 in the first semi and Jake progressed against Rory. The final was a topsy-turvy affair, with Henry winning the first set 10 – 3, but losing the second set 2 – 10. Henry came out fighting in the decider and following a great start won 10 – 4.
The mini-orange competition saw a smaller entry, but the quality was outstanding. Blu Baker came through his group comfortably, with Lacey Matthews the runner up. While Joe Hancott shaded Jevon Dry in a brilliant three set group stage match to qualify as the group winner.
Blu Baker and Joe Hancott both proved too strong for their semi-final opponents, although Lacey Matthews put up a valiant fight in her semi against Joe, forcing him all the way through their three set tussle. Blu went on to complete the day unbeaten defeating Joe in the final in two sets.
The usual suspects competed in the Mini-Green competition, however new face Rohit Patel (who has only been playing tennis for a few months) was the surprise package of the day. Jake Scrimshaw coasted through his group, to make it to the final unbeaten. Whilst in the other group Rohit beat previous finalists Joe Newnham (4 – 1) and Elias Ahmed (4 – 2) to progress to the final.
The early stages of the final appeared to indicate the match was going to be a close run affair, with Rohit proving too consistent on numerous occasions for Jake. However Jake showed his experience coming out on top in the early key points. Jake pushed on relentlessly following the close early stages and after gaining a lead raced through the match 4 – 1, 4 – 0.
Pictured:
Mini-Red – Left to Right – Jake Wright and Henry McLuckie
Mini-Orange & Green – Left to Right – Rohit Patel, Jake Scrimshaw and Joe Hancott (Blu Baker not pictured)
