Kids court success (From Gazette Series)

Kids court success

COALEY Tennis Club's 'Wimbledon Hangover' fortnight culminated in the finals being held over Saturday and Sunday last weekend.

For the 7 to 11 year-olds the competition was played on a point system, rather than 'real' game scores.

This year's finalists were - Junior doubles: Tim Wilcox & Jane Harvey v Maddy & Kate Clere-Enoka. Youth singles: Caroline Walker v Andrew Sprague. Youth Doubles: Emma Burar & Andrew Sprague v Chris Wilcox & Chris Whincup.

Winners were - Saturday: Junior doubles, Tim Wilcox and Jake Harvey. Junior singles, Lauren Burgess. Youth section: singles, Andrew Sprague; doubles, Chris Wilcox and Chris Whincup.

Sunday: Women's doubles, Fiona Porter and Barbara Tong; Men's doubles, Tim Porter and Jim Tong; Mixed doubles, Fiona Porter and Tim Porter; Men's singles, Euan Howard.

The club has invested in cups for the adults and youth competitions, and next year will introduce cups for the younger group.

The youngsters are responding well to coaching and this year a new beginners' group has been formed and has already received five coaching sessions.

Coaley Tennis Club aims to give youngsters the chance to learn the game properly, to enjoy the game, and to keep them from getting bored, and the support of parents is necessary to achieve these aims.

There are currently 90 members in the club, with ages ranging from 5 to almost 70 years, including 30 plus juniors under 16 receiving professional coaching during the summer months.