The 26th Annual North East Hearing Impaired Tournaments, held for the first time at David Lloyd in Stockton attracted over 100 children from 26 schools across the region. The Mini Tennis event held in March saw 44 children compete in round robin groups before finishing in knockout semifinals and four very competitive finals. Results as follows:
Girls 9 & Under Lexandra Murray (Highcliffe) bt Leah Tighe (Sunnyside) 7-5 7-3
Girls 10 & Under Lianna Harison (Darlington) bt Olivia Tweddle (Darlington) 7-5 7-3
Boys 8 & Under Jake Joyce (Sunnyside) bt Issac Harris (Holy Trinity) 7-5 7-5
Boys 10 & Under Jacob Spence (Yarm) bt Declan Venis (Sunnyside) 7-3 7-1
In April, 60 older children, the furthest coming from Leeds and Castleford were lucky with the weather and being able to use 5 outside courts as well as 4 indoors. With the sun shining 9 round robin groups battled it out to see who would reach the semi-finals. With some very close competition it was necessary to get the calculator out to determine who went forward.
Final results were as follows:
Girls 13 & Under Olivia Burton Law (Castleford) bt Lilly Turnbull (North Field) 5-4 5-3
Boys 14 & Under Tyler McIntyre (St Johns) bt James Webb (Kings Academy) 5-3 5-2
Boys 16 & Under MacauleyMcIntyre (St Johns) bt Dylan Calvert (Lawrence Jackson) 5-2 5-2
My thanks to Matthew Rowan for his invaluable help in running both events and to all the teachers and helps who assisted with umpiring duties. A great two days were enjoyed by all and a number of new friendships established.
