AEGON Team Tennis started for the David Lloyd Teesside girls last weekend!
DL Teesside Captain's Blog:
"The girls welcomed the Northumberland Club to Teesside and the match highlighted the great spirit that our game can and should be played in. All of the girls warmed up and noted that it is lovely now that there are a block of houses next to the courts, which means the balls don't get blown around in different directions like they used to! Although we aren't too sure people sunbathing in the pool are going to be that pleased!
The captain's Kim and Jo got the matches underway and then took their spectators spot up on the hill (without block of houses near to them!) and got ready for the 'light' breeze and black clouds that were brewing overhead.
Victoria Cornelius played number 1 for David Lloyd Teesside and was against Long-Ching Cheung. It was lovely to see Long-Ching again and they had a lovely match. You know I mentioned the lack of wind due to the newly built houses...well I think it may have missed their court! Victoria and Long-Ching were competing well but it was really difficult for both of them to judge where the ball was going on the throw up. However it was a great learning experience for both of them to learn what to do with the wind either with or against them. Long rallies and determination from both of the girls was great to see and a sprinkling of power shots to try and win the points proved how hard both of them have been working to develop their attacking games. Both players smiled and congratulated each other on good shots and Long-Ching took the match 6-2 6-1.
Samantha was playing number 2 for Lloyds and faced Tamara Susa who plays up at the Academy in Northumberland. Tamara had a lovely strong serve but Samantha played extremely well and blocked the serves back to get herself into the point. Susa who is ranked number 4 in Northumberland (12&U) stepped it up and started to attack her forehand which put Samantha under plenty of pressure. Both players were confident coming to the net, which was fantastic to see and neither of them missed a volley when they did approach the front of the court. This would prove vital in the doubles matches following the singles! Well done to both of the players and Tamara won 6-2 6-1.
Esme Cassini played against Isobel Brealey. Both players are keen hockey players, and compete in their respective local County Teams, so this was going to be an interesting battle off the field and onto the court! The match had some really great rallies and both players didnt give up with any short or wide balls...showing their determination along with key movement skills that can be seen in any of their chosen sports.
So after the singles it was 3-2 to Northumberland Club, which meant the doubles match decided whether a shootout would be played or not! As coaches and captains we really promote volleying and communication in doubles and this match did not disappoint! All 4 of the girls were eager to intercept and I don't think I have seen a junior girls doubles match played with such positivity at the net. Cross court rallies were halted when the net player looked to steal the point with a winning volley, but the retrievers made sure they got the ball back to make them play another shot. Incredible to watch how close the points were and the girls should be chuffed with their confidence and accuracy! Both sets could have gone either way but at key moments Tamara and Long-Chin just edged the two sisters and the match ended up being 6-3 6-3 to the Northumberland pair.
David Lloyd also saw Anna Dunne compete and she played against Isobel in a friendly match, which was followed by a match against Esme. The friendly matches were just as good as the others and it was really great that Isobel and Esme wanted to play the extra matches as it has been great to see Anna enjoying her tennis again following a couple of injuries pre Christmas!
So a huge well done to all the girls and the spectators (who are pictured in their finest April shower / cold weather gear!) who commented on how nice the atmosphere had been from all the girls. This is how tennis should be played. Competitive but fun for those taking part….all of the girls came off court smiling which was the best part of the day! We wish the Northumberland Club well in their next matches."
David Lloyd Teesside’s next match is at Collingwood Sunday 22 April.
The link to the results can be found here.