Yet another successful Senior – Junior Singles Invitation Tournament was run most successfully at Redbridge Sports Centre on the weekend of the 8th-9th February 2014. These events are supported by our Senior County Players and most promising Junior Players. It provides the Junior Players with an opportunity of experiencing the reality of what will be expected of them in their forthcoming years of their Senior competitive play. The feedback from both Senior and Junior Players alike is most positive with competition being intense. The established Senior Players not wanting to lose to their Junior counterparts, and maintaining their pride, the Junior Players trying to score a victory with a Senior scalp along the way.
Jamie Willson, the Essex Senior Men’s Captain, together with Graham Ray organised the event. They congratulated all Sixteen Players competing on their high standard of play throughout the weekend.
Local involvement included Darien Lamb from Westcliff Hardcourts, Harry Randle from Thorpe Bay LTC, Peter Odegbami from Westcliff Lawn LTC together with Jack Stammers from Leigh & Clearview Brentwood, Peter French from Billericay and Clearview, Paul Gardiner from Basildon and Clearview and Lewis Tyler from Danbury. There was a notable performance from James Caddies from the Compete Academy located at Redbridge Sports Centre with wins over established Senior County Players namely the previously ageless Jack Stammers and Peter French but as it would appear now slightly ageing. Harry Randle again proved to be the most successful local player managing a runner-up position in the ‘A’ Group Consolation Playback Event losing to the impressive Junior Player, Shamael Chaudhry in a final set Champions Tie Breaker [10-5]. Shamael is coached by local legend Tony Lloyd.
Richard Wire from Loughton, again oozed class in a highly entertaining final against Marshall Tutu. The standard of tennis in the final was well worthy of National Standard with Richard triumphing 7-6, 6-2. The third – fourth place match involved David Wright against Lewis Thompson playing in his final year as a Junior Player. David proved too strong for Lewis winning in some style 6-3, 6-3. Lewis will look forward to a successful career in Senior Tennis capitalising on his now already honed Senior Playing talents and intentions.
Peter Odegbami toiled to reach the final of the Consolation ‘B’ Group Final eventually losing to the experienced Daniel Bagguley 6-2, 6-3.
The importance of these events is immense in providing the Junior to Senior transition. Junior Players should not remain in their comfort zone and when opportunities present themselves with a planned event such as this, Junior Players should grasp the opportunity with both hands.
Graham Ray
10th February 2014