Umhlali tennis juniors take on the men!

Umhlali Country Club’s junior tennis team received praise for a stellar performance in the under 40 singles league – the first time the club has entered juniors to compete in the Ethekwini Tennis Association.

The boys were specifically selected to play as a junior schoolboy team against the older players.

The club’s first team headed by Waylon Ferrandi demolished most of the clubs in their path and won the 1st division.

Ferrandi’s reputation preceded him, having one of the biggest serves in the province and a massive topspin to finish it off, ensuring he did not drop a set the whole tournament.

“Dan Martin’s endurance was put to the test in some epic long sets in 40-degree heat that accompanies the KZN February weather,” said tennis section chairman, Wayne Atherstone.

The junior team was made up of Yuichi Nishihira (17) in Grade 11 at Ashton International College, Finn Conningham (13) in his first year at Kearsney College and Ethan Pearson (12) from Umhlali Preparatory.

Finn Conningham is from pedigree stock as his dad, Matt, was on the junior circuit abroad and currently plays for the Umhlali super league side.

“These 3 made up the dynamic junior side of very competitive up and coming tennis stars. They competed against some strong players, holding their own all the way. They played two best of 3 set matches each Sunday against Umhlanga, Coastal Breeze, Durban Country Club and La Lucia in the 3rd division,” said Atherstone.

He said over the 4 team matches Finn had the best results winning 4, Yuichi won 3 and Ethan won 1.

“The team came 3rd out of 5 teams but this is more an indication of the development in youth that Umhlali Country Club tennis club is focusing on. These young schoolboys gave everything on the court, and represented our club with incredible pride and manners, under the guidance of our chairman Neville Wright. Well done to both teams and all those involved.