8 Tennis

Captain: C. J. Walton.

Colours: C. J. Walton, J. F. Comley, N. Green, S. Y. M. Al-Bassam, A. T. Comley, J. P. Anderson.

The tennis season began with a difficult away fixture at Hymers College; half way through the afternoon the rain intervened and the match had to be abandoned, with the scores level. The first team completed a most successful season by winning all thirteen school matches, one abandoned, and progressing to the Yorkshire area Final of the Glanvill Cup, where the School finished in second place. John Comley and Clive Walton proved to be a formidable first pair; John developed an extremely hard first serve and strong forehand groundstroke. Clive's competitive spirit helped to encourage the whole team and his general returning ability was marvellous to watch. Nicholas Green's experience helped to improve Suliman Al-Bassam through the season and brought out the very best in the younger player. They only lost two sets during the season. Nicholas's serve and volleying are now much stronger than last season and this had a major effect in the matches played. Jeffery Anderson and Ashley Comley played as the third pair, their differing styles being complementary. Jeffery's variation of serve and net play developed throughout the season and he also demonstrated a sound tactical awareness. Ashley produced much more consistent and heavier groundstrokes than last season. The School entered the York Team Tennis League, and a team of four players, each of whom played one doubles set and one set of singles, won the trophy for the third year in succession. One of the major factors in producing such a successful season was the high standard displayed by the majority of the non-team players who, when called upon, played extremely well at representative level.

The following also represented the 1st VI: S. R. D. Stewart, T. R. Bletcher, M. J. Stephenson, T. B. White, D. G. F. Tulley.

The Second VI played six matches, and the five wins reflected the strength in depth of the strongest squad we have had at this level.

The following represented the 2nd VI or 'A' VI: P. M. Allan, S. R. D. Stewart, T. B. White, T. R. Bletcher, D. J. Mclean-Steel, M. R. O'Sullivan, M. Forman, N. E. Hobson, D. G. F. Tulley, D. J. James, J. M. Parr, E. G. Stanton, M. S. Connolly, N. J. W. Lumb.

An Under 15 VI played and won two inter-school matches, and a team of four won five out of six matches in the L.T.A. Schools Championships. J. R. L.