Here is a copy of the Report which was submitted to the County Press:
There was a good size entry for the Easter Junior Tennis Tournament held at the Ryde Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club and sponsored by Sporties of Shanklin. Youngsters from all over the Island took part and benefited from the abundance of match play available using round robin format draws.
It was possible to hold a mixed under 10 green mini tennis event consisting of matches being the best of three short sets with a tie break being played at a score of 4-4 in each set. Millie Coombes was the best girl in the draw coming third, and the top spot was a contest between Austin Law and Jim Churches who had three wins apiece. The match between went the distance with Austin eventually coming through 4-2, 2-4, 4-1.
The next step up was the 12 and under boy’s singles with Jadon Buckridge in third place and Milo Ash as runner up, but the event was dominated by Owen Todd with straight wins.
Milo also took part in the 14 and under singles and won group B to play in the semi final against the group C winner, James Collingwood, whom he overcame 6-3, 6-3. Meanwhile, top seed, Alex Baughan played the best runner up, Charlie Gedling in a close contest won by Alex, 6-2, 7-6. In the final between the two doubles partners, Alex beat Milo.
In the 16 and under boy’s singles, Ryan Todd was again on good form and was unbeaten with Ricki Pullinger as runner up with the one loss against Todd.
More boys entered the 18 and under singles, which was played in two qualifying groups with Ryan Todd and Corin Gibson unbeaten in their respective boxes although Gary Furmidge gave Todd a scare in the first set of their match, which was then turned round to 7-5, 6-0. In the semi final matches, Gibson beat Sean Furmidge 6-4, 6-3, and Todd beat James Hudson 6-1, 6-3.
The final on Saturday was an exciting match with Gibson showing early form and with Todd recovering in three sets, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, for his second singles title of the tournament.
Two boy’s doubles events were held at 15 and under and 18 and under with plenty of play in the older group. Josh Pietak and Ryan Todd were in third place having dropped a couple of matches over three sets. Gary Furmidge and Martyn Lloyd teamed up well for the runner up spot, but Sean Furmidge and Corin Gibson were the unbeaten winners.
The tournament was organised by Richard Harris and run by David Fothergill on behalf of the Club. Thanks to the Tennis Committee Chairman, Helen Peak for presenting the trophies and to Andy Dyer of Sporties for his continuing support.
The next major tournament at the Club will be the Isle of Wight County Press Junior from 28th July to 2nd August.
Entry Forms are now available. Please note that entrants who have played in previous tournaments should hold British Tennis membership so as to qualify for ratings and rankings points in LTA tournaments.
Richard Harris