7 Tennis

On reflection, for the First VI, this was probably the best season in the School's history! They managed to reach the Area Finals in the Glanvill Cup. This stage represents the best eight in the country, and held out the tempting prize of the Finals at Queen's Club. Unfortunately, the team came third in the match at Bolton G.S. and missed out on the trip to London by one place.

The other major success this term was the retaining of the York Team Tennis League. This is the fourth consecutive year that we have won that particular cup. Within this particular League, we were undefeated in seven matches and only conceded one set.

The strongest pairing was Nicholas Green and Sulieman Al-Bassam whose all-court game was a joy to watch and most effective in its domination of other first pairs. They only lost a few sets over the whole season. Jeffrey Anderson's hard serving and Matthew Stephenson's well placed volleying helped the second pair to achieve some notable performances. Finally, Tom White, whose all round game improved remarkably throughout the season, had two partners in Matthew Forman and Douglas Tulley. Both these players in turn made strong contributions to the team. The overall conduct, determined play and team spirit were hallmarks of an unforgettable season.

The following boys represented the School's First Team: Colours: *N. Green (Capt.), S. Y. M. Al-Bassam, J. P. Anderson, M. J. Stephenson, T. B. White, D. G. F. Tulley, M. Forman. * also awarded cup Also played: T. R. Bletcher.

R.G.S.

The standard of tennis played below the 1st VI continues to improve. The 2nd VI played seven matches, winning five, and from time to time a promising mixture of skill and enthusiasm, technique and determination, was shown. In many past years some of them would have been regular 1st VI players.

The following represented the School's Second Team: T. B. White, M. Forman, D. G. F. Tulley, T. Bletcher, N. E. Hobson, J. M. Parr, D. J. James, S. W. Mills, B. Pattison, R. J. Tucker, C. M. A. Black, E. I. W. Parry, A. C. Lee, A. L. Waters, M. S. Connolly.

The third and fourth year boys who played tennis this year showed a great deal of promise.

The level of success that has been enjoyed at the top in the last three years should continue to be approached, if not surpassed. Varied success was achieved at U15 level, and the third formers, benefiting from their experience in St. Olaves, managed to win all their matches, and won the York Team Tennis U.14 League.

The following represented the U.15 and U.14 teams: A. L. Waters, M. J. Mitchell, D. R. Jones, A. C. Lee, D. H. Baldry, E. J. Thompson, J. S. Powell, M. P. Forester, M. Davies, R. W. Hudson, O. Gardner, R. J. Miles, B. J. Hatfield.

J. R. L.

Girls' Tennis

It has, like the Squash season, been mixed, with easy wins over Hymers and Worksop, but losses to The Mount and Queen Margaret's. Our main success has been in the York League where we won 4 rounds 6 - 0 and drew one 3 - 3, putting St. Peter's at the top of their section. It was our arch-rivals Queen Margaret's who were to beat us 4 - 2, our 2 sets being picked up by Becky Kettlewell and Becky Bramall in the singles. This meant they were both unbeaten as individuals, a great achievement especially for Becky Bramall who played 5 out of the 6 matches at number 1.

With 5 of the 6 members of the team being in U6th, we seemed to have a great potential, but initial partnership changes meant we lost to Pocklington where we should have won easily.

The team's overall strength has been in its ground strokes, while Sophie Richards and Becky Kettlewell showed flair and power in their backhands, and Jane Alexander's serve has been the highlight of her game. Becky Bramall proved confident at the net, while Kate Prest's game improved steadily throughout the season.

The 2nd team has once again been characterised by enthusiasm, although the season itself was mixed. They beat Worksop and Woodhouse Grove, but lost to The Mount and Queen Margaret's.

The addition of the new courts has given more girls the chance to play and has increased the potential of the 1st VI in future years. There has also been the formation of an Under 15 Girls' team - and once again there have been both wins and losses, but the team promises well for the future.

I would like to thank Mrs. Shepherd and all the teams for an enjoyable season, and I wish everyone luck next summer: Happy Tennissing!

R. A. K.

Sponsored Tennis Marathon

At 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 30th April in the tropical warmth of the School Sports Centre, the Twenty Four Hour Sponsored Tennis Marathon began. Its aim was to raise money for the purchase of a Tennis Ball Machine. In order to remain faithful to our sponsors, the ball was kept moving at all times, and apart from the change-overs there were 4 players always on court.

The Boys' First IV made up the core of the players taking part, but frequent and prolonged sessions from some members of staff and from members of the Girls' team were greatly appreciated. To try and raise money, players

of all ages and standards were invited to "pay to play" against members of our Teams.

The final shaking of hands across the net at 5.00 p.m. on Sunday marked the end of the Marathon, which raised in the region of £300. Hearty congratulations to all who took part, and a warm "thank you" to all the sponsors who helped in the raising of money.

S. Y. M. A-B

New Tennis Courts

On Saturday 30th April, the Head Master formally opened the new Tennis Courts before a small gathering of parents and pupils. After the short ceremony, the First IV Teams of boys and girls played against a mixed doubles team from York Lawn Tennis Club.

The use of the new Tennis Courts will reap numerous benefits for those pupils who choose Tennis as their Summer term option. We hope more people will be encouraged to choose Tennis because of the better facilities and the close proximity of the courts to the main School.

More pupils will be able to play Tennis, since the School will still retain the use of the Bootham Park courts. The new courts will also provide a better atmosphere for visiting teams.

Results

First Team Scarborough College Won 7-2 Wigginton T.C Won 6-0 Sherburn H.S Won 6-0 Pocklington School Won 6Vi-2tt York VI Form College Won 5-1 Bootham School Won 8-1 Acomb T.C Won 6-0 Hymers College (Glanvill Cup Round 2) Won Leeds G.S. (Glanvill Cup Round 2) Won Ashville College Won 8'/2-'/2 All Saints School Won 6-0 Hymers College Lost 2-7 Barnard Castle School Won VA-lVi Ampleforth College Won 5tt-3% St. Georges, Sleaford (Glanvill Cup Round 3) Won Q.E.H.S., Gainsborough (Glanvill Cup Round 3) Won Bolton School (Glanvill Cup Round 4 - Last 8) Lost Repton School (Glanvill Cup Round 4 - Last 8) Lost Dunnington T.C Won 6-0

Second Team

Pocklington Won 6V2-2V2 Bootham Won 8-1 Ashville Won 9-0 Ampleforth Lost 3'/2-5'/2 Worksop Won 5-4 Giggleswick 1st VI Won 8-1 Durham 1st VI Lost 2-7

Colts Teams

U.15 Played 9 Won 5 Lost 3 (Drawn 1)

U.14 Played 5 Won 5 Lost 0