Youngsters aiming to emulate Andy Murray came together at Ryde Mead Tennis Club on Sunday to compete in the first Mini-Tennis Tournament of the year on the Island.
Children battled it out in the Mini-Red (u8), Mini-Orange (u9) and Mini-Green (u10) age groups on what eventually turned out to be a warm(ish) Spring afternoon.
The competition attracted players from all across the Island, including both Ryde clubs, Ventnor Tennis Club, Newport Tennis Club and players from the mainland.
The Mini-Red competition comprised of 12 players, two groups of 6 battled it out in the round-robin stage, with Dexter Collins, Ryan Hughes, Rory Buckeridge and Henry McLuckie all progressing to make the Semi-Finals. Dexter beat Rory, whilst the rapidly improving Ryan defeated Henry. The final was a close battle, Ryan, playing in his first final put up a tremendous performance against the more experienced Dexter. However after a very close first set, Dexter (Ryde Mead Tennis Club) won the final 10 – 8, 10 – 5.
The Mini-Orange competition again comprised of two round robin groups. Both Jevon Dry and Alex Breach came through their groups unbeaten, however both Harry Minns and Lewis Wright put in some excellent performances in the group stages. Alex (Ventnor Tennis Club) produced some brilliant tennis in the final, winning in straight sets 10 – 7, 10 – 5.
The Mini-Green competition saw a smaller entry than expected, however the standard was strong. Jake Scrimshaw played Elias Ahmed in the final, initially Elias looked capable of matching the impressive Jake. However as the match progressed, Elias made more mistakes and Jake produced some great tennis. Jake (Ryde Lawn Tennis Club) winning 4 – 2, 4 – 1.
Well done to them all! Ed
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