mmm vm vm$m*>i*fri
TENNIS 1st IV The 1 st IV is a special team which participates in the National Competitions run by the L.T. A. and the Midland Bank. In the Senior Students Competition the team were victorious in all their four matches between September and March. However, the pressure of existing fixtures in the first two weeks of the Summer Term forced an early exit at the hands of King's School, Tynemouth, in the regional phase of the competition. In the Glanvill Cup, the 1st IV were faced with a difficult match against Pocklington School. Although Michael Catling and Michael Hunter both won their sets, the team eventually went down by a margin of 4 sets to 2. The 1st IV team: Michael Hunter (captain), Michael Catling, Michael Lang and Shalin Khanna. R. G. Shread
1st VI The 1st VI had a difficult start to the season having to face Bradford G.S., Hymers College, Pocklington School and Ampleforth College all before half-term. However, there were convincing victories against both Ashville College and Worksop College which ensured that the team remained in good heart. During the second half of the season the 1st VI maintained a 100% record up to the final School match of the season. There were wins over Durham School, Barnard Castle School and a winning position (3!/2-2) against Woodhouse Grove School being lost due to the infamous Bradford rain! Both Michael Hunter and Michael Catling's play has developed tremendously since half-term, due mainly to the fine coaching skills of Dr. I. Barkshire (York University). They are now playing a much higher standard of tennis with a real competitive edge to their games. Since half-term they have enjoyed a 100% success in School matches up to the final match of the season and overall throughout the whole season they have won over 75 % of all sets played. Michael Hunter, the captain, has guided his team and in particular his doubles partner towards their true potential. His own game has developed greatly since last season with him hitting the ball much harder, especially on groundstrokes. However, I would like to see him taking the volleys much earlier next season. Also, Michael should try to change his net position to a more aggressive net stance (much closer) and hence not to have to play volleys below waist height. If he can perfect this aspect of his game he could well prove to be unbeatable in his final year! Michael Catling has been the slightly weaker player at first pair, although his athleticism and excellent volleying have turned him into a fine doubles player. Next year, with more consistency to both groundstrokes and in particular service, he could help the 1st IV to a long run in the National Competitions.
The School House pairing of Michael Lang and Jim Swallow did not blossom as well as I would have liked. Although, full credit must be given for their fine performance in the match against Durham School which effectively won the match by 5 sets to 4. Michael Lang played with great consistency and was at his best when winning points from the net position. Jim's game reached a plateau during the season, perhaps due to the strain of external examinations; he did not really build on the training put in during the winter months. His best shot was the forehand drive which was hit extremely hard and earned many points. Jim was always competitive on court, but baseline play does have its limitations in doubles play. At third pair there was another upper sixth combination of Shalin Khanna and Matthew Todd. They obviously enjoyed their tennis together and were a most reliable couple. Shalin's game has progressed and he now demonstrates all the strokes required. His best 'weapon' is the 'two handed' backhand which he can hit in either direction with a good deal of force. Matthew Todd showed excellent fighting qualities on court and complemented his partner well. Even though he did not find the game easy to master he demonstrated a good deal of application which brought its reward of a much improved game by the end of the season. Matthew became a shrewd 'net poacher' in the second half of the season. My thanks once again to our 1st team coach, Ian Barkshire, and to the parents who have supported us. I would also like to thank Mr. P. Taylor for his help in running the 2nd VI, Mr. G. Lawrence for his help in running the most successful side, the U. 15 VI, and finally Mr. D. Newman for his efforts with the non-team players. 62
