Tennis

1st VI

The 1st VI had four colours returning from the previous year and competition for the remaining places was keen. Finally Eleanor Bowling and Jane Mindenhall from the fifth year were selected to play with Emma Ward and Susie Musgrave becoming the first pair for the second team. However, both of them played several times for the 1st VI and Susie was awarded colours due to her enthusiastic play and commitment particularly during and after exams. The initial three matches were easily won and finally the team beat Queen Margaret's, for the first time, with consistent and attacking play. It was unfortunate that the best four players had to play in a Senior Students match for the Giggleswick fixture as they were the strongest opposition of the term. Scarborough College was the only cancelled match and this was abandoned due to heavy rain when we were leading 2-1. It was disappointing to lose 4-5 in the last match to Leeds Girls' High School, again with a weakened team, but also pleasing to learn that their best player will be joining us in September! The girls' did well in the Senior Students Competition. Triangular matches were played in each round and they beat Rossett High School, Scarborough Technical College, Pocklington, King James', Harrogate Grammar School and WakefieTd*before losing to Queen Margaret's, who they'd previously beaten. They also played in the U.18 York league and had wins over York Vlth Form College, The Mount and Dunnington T.C. but lost to strong sides from Tadcaster and Bootham Schools. Nicki Westwood and Julia Thompson played particularly well all season both in their doubles and singles matches. Julia lost only one of her singles. Due to their steady play they often had better results than the first pair. Rachel Robertson and Eleanor Bowling always used attacking play and hit a deep ball, often a little too enthusiastically! However, when all was going well they played impressive tennis and lost few games. Rachel was an able captain and a pleasure to have in that role. She was always enthusiastic and I would particularly like to thank the U. VI who made every effort to play once the exams started.

Results:

v Hymers College v Worksop College v Barnard Castle v Queen Margaret's v Mount St. Mary's v The Mount v Giggleswick v Ackworth v Scarborough College v Pocklington v Leeds Girls' H.S. Away Away Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home 78768639294-2 -1 -2 -3 -1 -3 -6 -0 -1 -0 -5 Won Won Won Won Won Won Lost Won Won Won Lost

The following represented the team:

R. Robertson*, E. Bowling*, N. Westwood*, J. Thompson*, S. Jackson, J. Mindenhall*, E. Ward, S. Musgrave*, V. Robinson, E. Strong, S. Pitt, A. Farley, J. Webster. * denotes Colours.