Winter weather no handicap to Newcastle’s young players

Winter weather no handicap to Newcastle’s young players

16 December 2015

THE arrival of winter weather has not deterred the hardy souls of Newcastle Tennis Club, who continue social play and lessons, despite the inclement conditions.

For junior members, the wind and rain can occasionally be something of a deterrent to play. The club is grateful, therefore, to Shimna Integrated College for the use of their new sports hall for 

junior lessons on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The use of the new sports facility means that these junior lessons are able to proceed whatever the weather outside throughout winter.

Coach, players and parents are all extremely happy with this arrangement and wish to thank Shimna Integrated College for continuing to be so co-operative within its community.

The Floodlit League started earlier this month. This is a mixed league and three teams are representing the club this year. 

There are five fixtures for each team and all matches are played in November, December and January.

It can be tricky to play in this very changeable weather, but it’s a great way to stay active and competitive in the sport during the winter. 

The A Team has played one away match at Cavehill, losing to their hosts. Weather has prevented their second December fixture so far.

The B Team has managed to play both their pre-Christmas fixtures, starting off with a draw in a home match against Muckamore.  Stephen Brown and Liz Brown, Trevor Long and Joan Moore played some close matches on a very windy evening.

Visitors Downpatrick went home victorious after the B team’s second fixture. Stephen and Liz Brown, Terry O’Reilly and Joan Moore had very tight matches only to lose in tie-breaks. 

The C team, comprising Michael Doherty, Mary McConville, Sinead Kearney and Kevan Owens, has only managed to play one fixture so far because of the weather. 

It was a baptism by fire for this new team on their home ground, coming up against an extremely strong team from Cloughey.

Strong wind didn’t help the home team, but even if conditions had been ideal, it is likely that Cloughey would have prevailed in any case, given that they won all four matches.