David Lloyd Teesside 14 & U Team travelled up to Shotley & Benfieldside Jan 8 2012 and here's the blog about the trip!
Considering the weather this time last year, with majority of outdoor courts being covered with snow, it was 'almost' perfect weather conditions....could have been a little bit warmer for the spectators but the tea and coffee were in regular supply so all good!
We arrived to a warm welcome from Shotley Captain Phil Atess and the girls team. Considering the Shotley girls have been unable to play much over the last few months due to the weather they were up for the match, which was really lovely to see. The Shotley girls created a really friendly atmosphere along with the parents and captain. We had already heard about the after match buffet that the Club put on so were really excited not only for the matches but also the food afterwards!
David Lloyd girls actually thought we were in Oz when they all turned up with tennis skirts and no tracksuit bottoms....definitely wouldn't have even considered wearing tennis skirts this time last year so just goes to show Oz temperatures could be coming our way!
After a short warm up the girls got started with Samantha and JoJo playing singles and Esme and Ella competing in their doubles tie.
Samantha had a bit of a slow start but soon got into the swing of things and the energy and enthusiasm that she displayed was brilliant. Bouncing on her feet between points to keep focus and warm (!) saw her take the first set. Her opponent Sarah was battling well and it was great to see the Shotley player using the width of the court to try and get on top of the rally. Samantha kept battling and in the end the David Lloyd player was just that extra bit stronger and came through in 2 sets. Well done Samantha!
On the second court JoJo was playing against their number 2 Beth and it was brilliant to see both players coming to the net following a short ball. Both hit some great winning volleys and the point of the match must have been when both players found themselves at the net and Beth hit a ball that looked like it was out of reach from JoJo...even the spectators (yes Jo...getting too excited) had started clapping but then JoJo somehow got to the ball and hit a winner down the line....awesome point from both players. The second set was a close one with JoJo taking it 5-3 and to put David LLoyd 2-0 up.
Esme and Ella played really well and showed great determination after they lost the first set 1-4. With encouragement from each other they started to play good doubles and took the second 4-1. It was fantastic to see them use what they had been practising in the training session prior to Christmas and start volleying with confidence at the net and communicating effectively. The match tiebreak for the 3rd set could not have been closer but Ella and Esme clinched the match with a 10-8 winning tiebreak score.....so chuffed for you girls....well done....must have been the colour coordinated t-shirts!
So that gave David Lloyd a 3-0 lead going into the 1 & 2 doubles and 3 & 4 singles matches.
Both Esme and Ella played well in their respective singles matches and the difference in confidence and enjoyment was really great to see.
Esme was really taking the match to Olivia and being proactive getting to the net, whilst also hitting some strong groundstrokes from the back to keep ahead in the match. Although Olivia did not give up Esme continued to play smart and took the match 4-1 4-2.
Ella also played really well and was creaming her forehand's.....not sure how her opponent, Alex, got half of them back and the scoreline certainly did not reflect how the match had been played. Alex definitely won sportswomanship of the day with her applauding of Ella's good shots and making the match be really enjoyable for both players. Ella came off court and highlighted this,
"Although the score was like it was I thoroughly enjoyed the match. Was a great day out to somewhere I have never been too before and I am really enjoying my tennis at the moment."
Captain Jo Cunliffe also expressed her delight,
"All of the girls did really well and its fab to see them putting into practice what they have been learning over the last few months. Ella is gaining in confidence and it is great to see her enjoying playing the game. The Team are all growing in confidence and it really is rewarding to see them improving their games. Well done to all the team.....next stop...our rearranged fixtures at Virgin Active Wearside and Tennis World!"
We must say a big thank you to Shotley for providing such a nice atmosphere and the buffet afterwards.....we are definitely going to try and ask our GM to see if we can copy your good example! Thank you x a lot!