ISSUE 24 / FEBRUARY 2014
THE MAGAZINE OF BUCKS TENNIS
TIEBREAKER Issue 25 / Winter 2014
H S I T I R B T A E R G 4 E 1 0 TH 2 D N E K E E W S I TENN
GET INVOL VED 17–18 MAY 21–22 JUN E 28–29 JUN E 19–20 JULY
BUCKS LTA WILL BE PLAYING A BIG PART IN THIS YEAR’S GREAT BRITISH TENNIS WEEKEND, WITH A COUNTYWIDE PROMOTION IN ADDITION TO THE NATIONAL PROMOTIONS, WITH THE AIM OF GETTING MORE PEOPLE IN BUCKS PLAYING TENNIS. Great British Tennis Weekend is a national campaign to get more people playing tennis more often, by supporting venues to open their doors to the public and run free tennis event on four weekends (17–18 May, 21–22 June, 28–29 June, 19–20 July). The weekends are timed to capitalise on increased interest in the sport around Wimbledon, but also to get people on court earlier in the year, and extend the playing season following the major events. In 2013 the LTA ran 39 free tennis events across Britain, which saw over 7,500 people take to the courts. Half of the participants were new to the sport or played less than twice a year, yet 75% later claimed to have played again following the event as a result of their experience on the day. This shows the potential of promoting mass participation events to get new and lapsed players playing tennis. For 2014, the
LTA’s focus will shift to supporting tennis venues across the country to run and promote their own events, including in Bucks! This year the events will be driven locally by the tennis workforce, with the LTA’s role to support and enable, whilst using its national channels to raise awareness of the events. Full training and support will be provided, along with a local and national multi-platform promotional campaign. The primary objective of the project is to get more people playing tennis more often. In
year one the LTA aims to achieve a minimum of 500 venues running quality events on one or more of the weekends. The LTA wants 30,000 people to attend the events and have an enjoyable experience on court, and then for 10% of those who attended to continue to play as new members, programme participants, or casual players.
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FEBRUARY 2014 / ISSUE 24
THE ROAD TO BEING A PRO ... BUCKS MIXED KNOCK OUT SENIOR AND INTERMEDIATE CUPS 2013 Congratulations to Halton, Penn and Tylers Green, Bucks Mixed Knock Out Competition Winners The Finals of the Buckinghamshire Mixed Knock Out competition were held at The Stoke Park Club, and congratulations are due to our four finalists who provided entertaining tennis on a gloriously warm and sunny October afternoon. The Intermediate competition was extremely close with Penn and Tylers Green (Nicky and Neil James, Sam Carey and Sinead Hughes) defeating Wooburn Park (Taisa Lane and Ben Evans, Carole Fisher and Andy Watkins) by just four games. Congratulations to Penn and Tylers Green and a warm welcome back to Wooburn Park, making their first appearance in the competition in many years. The Senior competition was won by Halton (Helen Adams and Alan Hutcherson, Alice Patch and Calum McKinlay) who defeated Great Missenden (Nicki and Alex Hartley, Sophie Bell and Tor Stockdale). The Great Missenden team, despite a very spirited attempt, were unable to defeat the strong Halton team who deservedly won the event for the 11th consecutive year – evidence of the club’s continued commitment to the competition.
TOBY MARTIN REFLECTS ON HIS CAREER TO DATE AND HIS LIFE AS A PRO PLAYER
By the time I was 18 I had won the U18 Masters title, U18 National Championships, and a few International Tennis Federation Junior titles, I had played Wimbledon, played at the European Championships, represented my country, and gained my first professional ATP ranking. Having won the U18’s National Championships (my last Throughout my life I’ve always known that I junior event), my team and I decided we’d do 3 months in wanted to be a tennis player. Fortunately I was Australia playing the Futures tournaments out there. Let exposed to tennis at a young age by my parents, me reiterate that, 3 months! A quarter of the year spent in and only had to climb under a barbed wire fence at the another country at only 18. A few of you might think that’s end of my garden in order to play at Chesham 1879 tennis club. I used to spend hours a week there, practising against sounds terrific, but believe me it was tough. I’ve never been the wall, playing against someone, or just hanging out there homesick in my life, probably because I’d been travelling to so many countries at such a young age, but by the end of as I loved the atmosphere. the trip I’ve never wanted to be at home so much: in fact I Although my parents were keen for me to pursue tennis, had just lost a battle to the #1 junior in the world, a match they made sure that I would play every other sport possible that was there to be won, but in all honesty I was happy I in order to further my skills and, most importantly, not get lost, I even thanked him! But it had been a successful trip, burnt out. Being a tennis player is a very lonely world, and I had reached #800 in the world – a ranking that only a I am incredibly grateful to my parents for sending me to a handful of other juniors had achieved. great school (The Beacon) in order to get an extremely good Australia was a real test for me, education and to experience both on and off the court. I had had playing various team sports. “A QUARTER OF to be organised, booking flights, and This acquainted me with team winning matches in order to cover environments, which I think is THE YEAR SPENT IN hotel and food costs (a different type vital for any child to develop their ANOTHER COUNTRY of pressure). After 12 weeks away social skills and a togetherness. AT ONLY 18. A FEW I had made a profit of AUS $2000, My tennis career really started which I was happy with. when I was accepted into Reeds OF YOU MIGHT THINK That was really the start of school at the age of 12. I was THAT’S SOUNDS my professional career, travelling awarded a 100% scholarship TERRIFIC BUT BELIEVE all over the world to gain ranking through the funds of David Lloyd, points and play a sport I love. I have which I am eternally grateful for. ME IT WAS TOUGH.” won a professional title in doubles, I have great memories of Reeds, and made numerous quarter‑finals where the combination of both and a semifinal. I trained on clay for 3 months of the year an exceptional tennis program and school set me up with during both 2012 and 2013 in order to further my skills as many of the life skills I have to this day. a player. Clay is a lot slower than any other surface and so Tennis is such a difficult sport that you would be plain point construction and patience is key. I highly recommend stupid not to attain an education for back up, and although my parents weren’t as pushy towards my education as they junior players playing on clay; however, British players will always struggle to do well on clay as it’s not a surface we were towards my tennis, they insisted it was paramount are brought up on. On the upside though, while we struggle that I got my GCSEs and A levels. Also what school life on clay, most Europeans struggle on hard, which most of gives you is important to everyday life, mingling with the ATP World Tour matches are played on. “regular” school children is both fun and necessary. I’ve been lucky enough to practise with Nadal, Djokovic, At 16 I moved to Bath, again in order to further my Berdych, Tsonga, and Baghdatis, and I have played at some tennis. I was in a pool of five or so players who were of the best tournaments and venues in the world, most the same age and at a similar level. That was key! Both notably Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Melbourne, and Doha. boys and girls who play sport at that age are incredibly Being a tennis player is exceptionally tough but I competitive with one another, whether it be on court or wouldn’t want to do anything else in the world. eating a packet of crisps – someone has to win at it! I was With a great team and support network, it’s really up to also guided by my current coaches: Ian McDonald (Macca) the individual. and Dave Sammel. Through this set‑up we all pushed one another in order to be better than the others. We also had two players who were a year older and had played Wimbledon, something that I desperately wanted to achieve and was a key motivator.
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Toby Mart in
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TIEBREAKER // 3
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
FED CUP TRIP JEMIMA KING WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE INVITED ON A COACH EDUCATION TRIP TO WATCH THE GB WOMEN TAKE ON ARGENTINA IN THE FED CUP WORLD GROUP STAGES, AND REPORTS BACK ON HER EXPERIENCE. Judy Murray captains the Fed Cup team, which was made up of Laura Robson, Johanna Konta, Anne Keathavong, and Elena Baltacha. Judy’s aim is to get more women coaches involved in coaching, with her and hope being that they can bring their experiences back to their clubs. The players were supported by the GB team of Ian (Women’s Manager), Vicky (Women’s Team Administrator), Flo (Strength and Conditioning), Peter (Stringer), Gareth (Video Analyst), and John (Media). We first found out about all that happens before the team even arrive in Argentina, as Ian and Judy took us through the numerous issues including hotel location, local events happening, room sizes, local transport, bodyguards, water purification, and many other details that can all make a huge differenceto how the team can concentrate on their tennis! Gareth then went through the team’s tactical analysis, having gathered matches played by the top
Argentinians and tagged certain shots, such as serves. The GB girls watched between four and six games of each opponent and made observations, picking out the key strengths and weaknesses of their opponents to help with their game plan. This is something that we can do more of, getting our own players to watch more videos, this will help their observation skills and their tactical awareness. On the Friday we were able to attend the press conference for both teams, where the draw took place, and we learned about dealing with the media. It was interesting to watch both teams practise, and how their sessions differed. The GB team always started each session
UPCOMING EVENTS BUCKS COUNTY TALENT ID 16 FEBRUARY BUCKS INDOOR TENNIS CENTRE lta.org.uk/players-parents/ Performance-players/ Talent-ID/
THE AEGON 18U COUNTY CUP 28 FEB–2 MARCH The girls team are at Gosling with team captain Jemima Hayward, and the boys will be at Bromley with team captain Andy Scholfield.
with a fun warm‑up game bringing the team together. Their drills were specific to what they had seen in the analysis session. When the GB girls competed their game faces were on, and they all competed hard to win their spot. Match days were eventful. The crowd definitely helped the Argentinian team, the players coped with the raucous crowd and the cheers seemed to raise their game. Unfortunately GB lost 3-1 – the clay courts were very slow, and the opposition had, sadly, grown up on clay. The main points I took from Judy were: the importance of team competitions (could we add an U15 Mixed County Cup team, a U16 County Cup, or some practice team county matches?); running more tennis trips so it feels like players are part of a team (similar to going off to a hockey match), and finally the huge importance of having fun – give the kids a reason to pick tennis over any other sport.
BASIC REFEREE COURSE 10 MARCH DAVID LLOYD, MILTON KEYNES lta.org.uk/volunteers-officials/ Becoming-a-Referee/ NEWPORT PAGNELL TENNIS CLUB OPEN DAY 29 MARCH, 10AM–12:30PM newportpagnelltennis.net
GRASS ROOTS AND NEW SHOOTS As many sports clubs struggle to attract children into the fun and active world of sports, it is great to see membership numbers flourishing at Newport Pagnell Tennis Club (NPTC). Through a lot of marketing ideas, coaching efforts, volunteer time, and events, as well as and a large dose of positive thinking, last year saw NPTC numbers grow for the second year in a row. New events were organised and well‑attended by families, and a growing coaching programme at the Club is going from strength to strength, offering a wide range of benefits and events for members, including regular junior and adult club nights at no extra cost. The Club has seen junior members develop from beginners to enjoying success at tournaments, adult teams thriving through all divisions (1–6) in the Milton Keynes and Bucks Shield league, and a very exciting time for the Mixed A team , which is currently topping (at time of going to press!) the entire Mixed Milton Keynes Winter League, with a second team about to join them in Division 1 for the summer. The Club is also inviting special interest groups, such as specific age groups and needs, to cater for even more people who want to enjoy tennis and its social side. If you would like any sessions run for your group then get in touch! New or existing players are welcome any time, and there’s an Open Day on 29 March. Details of club nights and membership are at: newportpagnelltennis.net, or contact Mary Hartley on 01908 605435.
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FEBRUARY 2014 / ISSUE 24
PLAY WITH THE UK’S BIGGEST TENNIS STARS
FRIENDLY MINI RED On Saturday 23 November, Dan (Long Crendon) and Mel (Princes Risborough) organised a friendly mini red tennis match for 16 players, eight from each club, where the children played a total of eight matches each. Each match counted towards their team’s score. After almost 2 hours of continuous action, Princes Risborough came out victorious, winning 38–26. Dan Anthony, the head coach at Long Crendon, is looking to organise more friendly matches, if interested please contact him on dan@aspire2tennis.com.
11TH GXLTC ACADEMY AWARDS
The 11th Academy Awards were presented to junior players involved in Tennace GXLTC Bull Lane’s Academy and Tennace Performance Mini Tennis. Director and Head Professional Andy Scholfield thanked the new coaching team. The new Junior Ambassador is James McCord (18, John Hampden school), who’s represented the club for 9 years at all levels and now assists with coaching. Male and female Players of the Year were Dan Buckeldee and Molly Hawker, while Hari Middleton (14) was most improved player, and Aneka Patel and Louis Basnayake, competing in 199 and 215 matches respectively, won ‘Most Committed Performers’. Henry Hunt (11), Manasi Kumar (11), Aisling McCarthy (14), and Richard Biondini (17) won ‘Best Intensity in Training.’
PlayAPro has launched a brand new service aimed at clients looking to make their tennis experience extra special. The company is offering bespoke tennis experiences for any client, including one-on-one sessions with UK stars, including former world top 100 Martin Lee and current ATP Tour player Jamie Delgado; along with celebrity tennis clinics for corporate clients, and hospitality to some of the biggest tennis events in the UK. PlayAPro Director Jamie Delgado (current ATP Tour player and coach to former US Open Quarter‑Finalist
Gilles Muller) has over 25 years’ experience of international tennis, has played at all the Grand Slams, at the Davis Cup, and at Wimbledon for 21 consecutive years. Fellow PlayAPro Director Johnny Delgado has over 20 years’ experience of international tennis, and has worked in many different capacities from event management, at events that have played host to players like Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, to managing some of the best tennis talent in the world as an agent. The company also organises exhibition matches, where you can
watch international ATP stars play at your own club; team training, where you can draft in some of the best UK players for detailed match play training sessions; as well as tennis holidays – unique hosted weeks to some of the best tennis resorts in the world. PlayAPro: info@playapro.co.uk; playapro.co.uk
IT’S WET WET WET! During the current deluge members are having to wade through water at Marlow Tennis Club to reach courts still playable. It has been a very wet start to 2014 with flooding all along the River Thames, as well as many other parts of the country. This is an early morning photograph at Marlow Tennis Club. Their Pound Lane home at Marlow Sports Club is approximately a quarter of a mile from the river.
During the rains, the Club has been hosting lots of firemen pumping water from nearby homes and roads on to the large grassed areas. On the plus side, play has continued, as its three recently resurfaced courts stayed dry, having been raised 30cm in 2012, although members are having to wade through water to reach them. One court, on slightly lower ground, is under 20cm water. Members are refraining from playing on it for health and safety reasons – and to avoid wet balls.
ISSUE 24 / FEBRUARY 2014
JACK HAWORTH Many players will have fond memories of Jack Howarth who passed away in August. A great father and a generous, helpful tennis partner and opponent, Jack always gave advice in a manner that could never be considered critical. I first got to know Jack at the Slough Indoor Tennis Centre, he was always a personal inspiration to me, and the octogenarians in our club have lost their most distinguished player. Jack began playing tennis at the age of 35, and soon tennis became Jack’s way to relax giving him a huge amount of satisfaction from helping others improve. None more so than with his son Craig – who he helped represent Great Britain in his teens. One of Jack’s proudest moments was Craig’s first International match v Germany at Bisham Abbey, when he sat in the gallery with the likes of Kevin Keegan, Peter Shilton, and the rest of the England football team who were there training. Not long after this, he encouraged Craig to play at a higher level, and supported him by taking him over to Great Missenden to play in the top division. Despite only starting working for him a few weeks earlier, he saw him beat David Lloyd and David Felgate on Centre Court at Eastbourne.
JOHN BECKLEY Remembering John Beckley, 25 November 1929–19 November 2013. John was a latecomer to tennis as he started playing at Hazlemere tennis club when he was 29. Shortly thereafter he moved to High Wycombe LTC where he remained a lifelong member. At that time Wycombe was one of the strongest men’s sides in Bucks, having won the Shield in 1955 and 1956, and John’s enthusiasm for the game led to a rapid improvement in his standard. His desire for competitive action was such that he was amongst a group of club members who travelled further afield to gain greater playing experience. Initially this was to tournaments in this country, but eventually, it lead to regular visits to France where the weather was more reliable.
Jack also liked the fact that with the Stokes Poges LTC being near to Pinewood Studios, and a number of the members working there, bits of sets would sometimes appear in the clubhouse – like the bar from the James Bond film Dr No. All the while Jack continued to enjoy his tennis. Up until just a couple of months before he passed away, he was still playing five or six times a week. One of these included a session with his best friend Neil De La Harp, and two other ‘young gentlemen’, who had a combined age of over 320! Jack’s proudest moment of his own tennis achievements came when he reached the age of 65 and gained entry to the Veterans Nationals Champs, playing on the grass courts at Wimbledon for the first time. His best Wimbledon performance was aged 70 when he reached the singles quarter‑finals. Another very proud moment was when his grandson Jack (named after him) became the third generation of Haworth to represent their county, in 2006. Jack was also delighted that his tennis had afforded Jack Jr the opportunity to attend one of the top universities in USA on a scholarship, and so his legacy lives on. Terry Stock, Stoke Poges LTC
In 1967 he was a member of the Wycombe team that won the County Shield, but he really came to the fore when veteran’s tennis became popular in the early‑1980s. He was a dominant figure in the early Bucks veteran’s tournaments, winning the over 45 singles on five occasions, and winning the men’s doubles three times in partnership with club colleague John Stevens, as well as the mixed doubles with Jill Redpath. When an over 55 age group was introduced in 1988 John added another county singles title to the list, and took the men’s doubles the following year with John Stevens. He then progressed through the county veteran’s teams as new age groups were introduced, playing for the over 55, 60 and 65 teams. He ended his county career in 1999, having represented the county for nearly 20 years, and was awarded his veterans county colours in that year.
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THE SANCHEZCASAL ACADEMY Led by coaches James Goodchild and Tom Edis, six Challenge-Tennis players from Chesham 1879 spent an unforgettable week training at one of the world’s best tennis academies, the SanchezCasal Academy in Barcelona. Rory Lawson, Emeka Atuanya, Rachel Roger-Lund, Emma Savage, Lilly Majewski and Alexa Wilson were at Luton Airport at 4.30am full of energy and excitement which continued all week. When we arrived at Sanchez-Casal (S-C) the kids were in awe, they had never seen so many tennis courts! Within 20 minutes they were on the paddle courts playing some informal matches. The next morning the children started their high intensity training at 8am, which lasted 6 hours a day, with an hour of fitness too. For six days they worked on exactly the same principles that have produced top players including Andy Murray. James and Tom were working with Coach Ed, programme leader Danni Sorribas, learning the full S-C System. Overall the trip was a great success. “To train in an environment like that has really inspired the players to come back home and take their tennis to the next level,” commented James. “It was a great experience to train with Danni, he has given us so much knowledge and confidence.” For more information on Challengetennis at Chesham 1879 email james@challenge-tennis.com
HOWARD’S 100TH’ High Wycombe Tennis Club President Howard Poutney celebrated his 100th birthday party at the club in December. Young member Mary Smith presented him with a large tennis ball signed by the members. He was also presented with a memorial scrapbook containing photos, cards and press cuttings from many friends, highlighting his long and happy association with the Club.
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FEBRUARY 2014 / ISSUE 24
THE WINTER COUNTY CUP – LADIES
LADIES DIV 2B SUCCESS ALISON LONGFIELD AND HELEN ADAMS REPORT ON THE LADIES DIV 2B CONTEST AT THE NEWPORT TENNIS CENTRE, SOUTH WALES IN NOVEMBER. DAY 1 V CHESHIRE Having crossed the border into a cold and frosty Wales, we knew relatively little about the calibre of the teams awaiting. Would we be aiming to avoid relegation, or to fight for promotion? First up was Cheshire. Helen Adams and Alice Patch played at No.6 and No. 5 respectively against young but talented opposition. Helen managed to resist both nerves and unforced errors to pull out a 6–3, 6–0 win, whilst Alice, after a slow first set, battled back to 4–1 in the second before her opponent’s persistent back-court game wore her down in a tense tie-break. At No. 4, in her first ever Winter County Cup (WCC), Georgie Sanders had a game of three halves. After a controlled first set, wining 6–3, she suddenly found herself 1–5 down in the second. However, with great mental strength, she gradually shifted the momentum away from her opponent taking six games in a row to seal the win. At No. 3 Claire Webb lost just three games in a measured performance against an inferior opponent, whilst Laura Deigman never really had to shift her fluid game into top gear to dispatch the Cheshire No. 1. At No. 2
Jemima King knew her cold might impede her normal style of attrition, so went for big shots against a feisty player and never really allowed her a look in, winning 6–2, 6–3. So with a comfortable lead heading into the doubles, Georgie and Emily Quin at No. 3 adopted a net-rushing strategy that paid dividends. Jemima and Alice at No. 2, and Laura and Claire at No. 1 displayed their finely honed doubles skills, with two rapid wins and the loss of just five games between them, meaning an early finish with an 8–1 victory in the bag! DAY 2 V SOUTH WALES An altogether tougher prospect, South Wales fielded a mixed team of youth and experience. Their No. 6 showed greater consistency than Bucks WCC debutant, Hannah Russell at No. 5 who couldn’t quite make the few extra points needed, losing both sets by one break of serve. Alice wore her opponent’s game down with her consistent backcourt game to win 6–4, 6–4 at No. 4, whilst Georgie at No. 3 ran her heart out as she almost pulled off a three-set, 2½ hour thriller. Jemima resurrected her attacking strategy from the previous day,
// TEAM HELEN ADAMS; NATASHA BIERRUM, LAURA DEIGMAN, EMILY QUIN, JEMIMA KING (NÉE HAYWARD), ALISON LONGFIELD (NON‑PLAYING CAPTAIN), ALICE PATCH, HANNAH RUSSELL, GEORGIE SANDERS, CLAIRE WEBB (NÉE HAMILTON)
her opponent only managing two games as she watched balls fly past her. Finally, Laura at No. 1 calmly dispatched her tenacious opponent. All-square at three rubbers apiece after singles, there was everything to play for. At No. 3 doubles, Helen and Emily quickly went 0–6, 0–2 down and the outlook was bleak. However, the confidence of winning a couple of games motivated the Bucks pair to keep level in the second set, and see off a match point to take the second set tie-break. The championship tie-break proved equally close, the Bucks pair finally securing an 11–9 win. Tension was rising as it all came down to the last two matches; Jemima and Alice at No. 2 played
solidly against a resilient duo, and sealed the championship tie-break with some great volleys. Laura and Georgie couldn’t quite emulate the same result, staging a rousing comeback in the championship tie-break but losing 8–10. So, a 5–4 victory left us in a strong position heading into the ‘promotion’ head‑to‑head against Kent in the morning … DAY 3 V KENT Helen and Emily started Bucks off, but neither player could quite make it across the finishing line. Alice stepped up and ground out a 6–2, 6–3 win, whilst Georgie “Let’s stay on court for as long as possible” Sanders took 2h 46m to wear her opponent down in a monumental three‑setter! Despite a valiant 4–6 effort in the second set Jemina couldn’t quite clinch the match. Meanwhile Laura, playing Holly Richards, who had previously
played professionally, had to work hard for her 7–6, 6–2 win. At 3–3 it was all to play for! Helen and Emily teamed up again to play doubles and took the first set 6–4, just lost the second, and found themselves in a crucial championship tie‑break, eventually losing 10–6 despite a valiant effort. Jemima and Alice pulled out all the stops and took a 6–3, 6–3 win, leaving the match finely poised at 4–4 with the 1 doubles in full flow with both teams cheering for their players. Laura and Georgie put everything they could into the match, even serving for the second set, but eventually the Kent 1 pair proved too strong and Bucks went down 1–6, 6–7. So we just lost 4–5 on the final day, but we held our heads high and came a strong second to Kent in the group. South Wales finished third, Cheshire fourth. A great team effort and team spirit … well done!
ISSUE 24 / FEBRUARY 2014
TIEBREAKER // 7
THE WINTER COUNTY CUP – MEN
MEN’S WINTER CUP GAVIN MCKINLAY REPORTS ON OUR TEAM’S PERFORMANCE AT THE 2013 AEGON WINTER COUNTY CUP. The 2013 AEGON Winter County Cup saw the Buckinghamshire men travel up to Boston, Lincolnshire, to compete against Bedfordshire, West of Scotland, and Lincolnshire. Led by Captain Peter Thorne, in the absence of usual leader Aidan Graveson, the Bucks men were fielding one of their youngest teams for years.
came back however, when Gavin McKinlay went down in straight sets. Pete Thorne then steadied the ship playing his usual brand of flowing tennis, and going into the doubles at 5–2 the Bucks boys were confident of taking the win, and backed this up by taking all three of the available doubles rubbers, finishing the day convincing 7–2 winners.
DAY 1 V BEDFORDSHIRE Day 1 is always vital for a team to gain some momentum, so Bucks were keen to take an early lead in the tie against Bedfordshire, and were given the perfect start when Steve Sumpter overcame the loss of a tight first set to win in three sets at no. 6. The Bucks campaign was given a further boost by the nerveless performances of Calum McKinlay and Barnaby Smith, who won their first senior rubber singles in straight sets giving Bucks an early lead. Bedfordshire
DAY 2 V WEST OF SCOTLAND Day 2 saw Bucks get off to a quick start once again, with Calum McKinlay and Steve Sumpter again providing early wins at 5 and 6. Sumpter having once again lost the opening set battled back well to win another three set encounter, and McKinlay won in a dramatic third set tie‑break. These wins proved pivotal for Bucks as the middle three of Smith, McKinlay, and Thorne all went down in straights sets. Tom Miller levelled the tie at 3–3 after the
‘EVERYBALL TENNIS’ LAUNCH ‘EVERYBALL MATCHPLAYS’
‘Everyball Tennis’ has successful coaching programmes at Halton Tennis Centre and Tring Tennis Club, and a number of mini tennis development centres in Bucks and Herts. Sunday 12 January saw the launch of ‘Everyball Matchplays’ hosting a linked orange club tour event for
// TEAM PETER THORNE (HALTON), TOM MILLER (GREAT MISSENDEN), GAVIN MCKINLAY (HALTON), BARNABY SMITH (GREAT MISSENDEN), CALUM MCKINLAY (HALTON), STEVE SUMPTER (MILTON KEYNES) AND ED TAYLOR (HALTON).
singles, displaying some fantastic net play on his way to a three sets win. Going into the doubles with the match tied made it tough for the Swans, and the challenge of taking two of the three matches proved too much in the end, with Bucks ending the second day with a narrow 5–4 loss. DAY 3 V LINCOLNSHIRE Day 3 always sees a rise in tension within the teams, as both promotion and relegation are often possible for all teams on the same day. Absent captain Aidan Graveson worked out that the team needed just one rubber to avoid relegation, but promotion would be a tall order. The magic one rubber
players aged 9 and under at Halton Tennis Club. New event organiser Sarah Tricks (sarahtricks57@ o2.co.uk), who has 15 years of experience in refereeing tournaments at all levels, has gathered a team of LTA licensed referees to support her with delivery of these events for all players at Halton on a monthly
proved no easy task with the strength of the Lincolnshire singles line‑up, meaning nothing was guaranteed, and the Swans lost the first five singles rubbers. Not for the first time in his county career, Peter “The Milkman” Thorne found the fate of the county (and according to him “the hopes and dreams of every member of our fair parish”) in his hands. The Milkman delivered a third set tie‑break victory, cementing Buckinghamshire’s place in division 4 again next year. Overall the 2013 Winter County Cup can be seen as a successful one for the Swans. Hope can be taken from the success of the Bucks debutants, Barney and Calum, and a special mention must also be made for Edward Taylor, who did not get to play over the weekend, but provided valuable support to help the team over the line, and will no doubt get his chance in the team over the coming years.
basis, and some events at Tring LTC and Tring Leisure Centre. Coming up on 16 March, Everyball will hold their first ‘open’ matchplay at Halton, specifically for adults. These will then be held bimonthly. Matchplays for those players with higher ratings will also be held in May and June – details at: haltontennis.co.uk.
CHRISTMAS FUN AT STONY STRATFORD All generations celebrated the festive season at Stony Stratford LTC, both on and off court! On Wednesday 11 December, Phyllis Leete organised her annual mince pies and mulled wine tennis morning. With about 40 people in attendance, everyone enjoyed some social doubles and the food and drink on offer. All of the Wednesday regulars were there, as they are throughout the year celebrating the joy of tennis. The following week on Thursday 19 December, 38 adult club members enjoyed the Club’s Christmas party off court, at the Calcutta Brasserie in Stony. Everyone had a great night out, enjoying the festive spirit, and not a tennis ball in sight! The junior Christmas party took place a few days later on Saturday 21 December, with 60 children, their parents, and the Tennis Works coaching team at the Club taking part. All enjoyed the free pizza, snacks and drinks supplied by the Club, and special thanks go to Louise and Kris Field for organising the Christmas bingo, and marshmallow and spaghetti Christmas modelling competition – there were some very creative features on display! This was generally agreed to be the best junior Christmas party so far!
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SMALLS
FEBRUARY 2014 / ISSUE 24
SEND BACK YOUR QUESTIONNAIRES!
HALTON AND GOSLING
LEADERS OF UNIFIED TENNIS Last October Halton Tennis Centre hosted the UK’s first ever Unified Tennis event, with the backing of the Special Olympic Organisation. Eleven Down’s Syndrome and learning disability players from Halton and Gosling Tennis Centres teamed up with able‑bodied players to take part in a mini tennis tournament on Sunday 20 October, watched by parents, coaches and officials from both clubs. Twenty‑five matches were played in two groups, with pairs playing first to 7 points, and the top four pairs going into the semis and finals.
Following some close fought matches, Maisie and Nick from Halton were beaten by Lukas and Oli, also from Halton in the play offs for third and fourth place, and the final was made up of two pairs from Gosling, with the overall winners, Chris and Devon beating Mitchell and Joel in a nail‑biting final that went right down to the wire, 7–6. “The mini tournament was fantastic – both Halton and Gosling have demonstrated very well how Unified Tennis can work and become a huge success,” said
TOP JUNIORS JOIN FUTURESTARS PROGRAMME Three local school children, aged 12–14, have been accepted on to the LTA’s AEGON FutureStars programme. Aylesbury Grammar School pupil and Halton Tennis stars Daniel Dean and Erika Dodridge, both 12, and Princes Risborough’s Barnaby Smith, 14, have been included on the programme that
BUCKS LTA COUNTY OFFICE PERSONNEL: Natalia Ilkow // Talent & Performance Coordinator David Reeve // Tennis Development Manager Nina Bridge // Tennis Development Officer Janice Roach // Tennis Services Assistant
recognises and supports some of the best juniors in the country. The emerging aces have earned their places after a successful year on court, and will now receive added support from the LTA. They form part of a group of 424 top juniors from around the country who all receive varying levels of funding and support from the LTA.
Tel: 01494 471238 Fax: 01494 449423 Email: bucks@LTA.org.uk Bucks LTA County Office, Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre, Holmers Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4QA Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Buckinghamshire LTA. The association accepts no liability for the accuracy of information provided by contributors.
Dan Slaughter from the Special Olympics Organisation. One of the Halton parents added, “Unified Tennis is a fantastic way of motivating and mentoring on court, and is a great way to encourage social skills off the court after the session. Halton runs weekly tennis sessions for disabled people across Buckinghamshire: haltontennis.co.uk/ tennis/disability/ If you are interested in hearing more about Unified Tennis, please contact Tom Wood on 07729 561884.
GET PUBLISHED! Make sure not to miss the next publication deadline for articles and photos on the 1st May 2014.
Following a number of suggestions voiced by players, Bucks LTA has established a subcommittee to review county organised adult tournaments and leagues. The sub-committee has two objectives in mind. Firstly, to seek opinion on the ways in which our current senior competitions are organised by Bucks LTA, and what improvements might be made. Secondly, we are looking for ways to increase adult participation in competitive tennis across the county, and would be interested in any ideas you may have. Receiving back as many of the questionnaires would be greatly appreciated.
THE COACH ACADEMY
The Coach Academy is a private tennis company based at the prestigious Wycombe Abbey School in Buckinghamshire. The Academy’s location was chosen because of its excellent transport links, with easy access NEXT IS to the M40, M4, and S Send your files to dom@tennis4kids. U AVAILAB E M25. The school is LE IN co.uk. We look forward to reading also a 10‑minute MAY all about you. walk from High AT YO The TIEBREAKER Team Wycombe railway LOCAL CUR LUB station on the Marylebone line, with a 35‑minute link to This issue of TIEBREAKER was This issue can be viewed in central London. With brought to you by Dominic full on the Bucks web site: courses running almost Killinger and Patrick Thorne. lta.org.uk/In-Your-Area/ Buckinghamshire monthly, and a great The next TIEBREAKER will be demand for new tennis published in May, if you have Published by: Tennis4Kids coaches, there has never any articles you wish to be Designed by: YOTE Design.com been a better time to included please send them to dom@tennis4kids.co.uk start with a course. To make life easier for the team, please make sure that your article has: • no more than 400 words • high‑resolution photos (set your digital camera to the ‘biggest’ setting) • labelled photo files so they can be easily identified
by 1st May 2014.
thecoachacademy.org.uk or call Chris direct on 07773 333768.