Junior ‘Wimbledon’ comes to Tweni tennis club
There hasn't been this kind of turnout for a junior tournament for many years.
There was a ‘Wimbledon buzz’ at the immaculately kept Umtentweni Tennis Club courts last week Thursday for a fun tennis tournament which pro tennis coach, Julia Christiansen, organised for the July school holiday.
Supporters spread blankets on the grassy bank overlooking the main courts and although there were no strawberries and cream in sight, there was a goodly supply of delicious boerewors rolls.
The tournament was part of the Lollipop series and was for beginners and intermediate players.
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There were 62 entrants, the youngest of whom was five years old. This bodes well for tennis in the future.
“Thought tennis was supposed to be dead,” said Julia, with a twinkle in her eye.
The U10 and U12 players received wristbands from Kim Hayes who represents KZN Tennis.
The use of red, orange and green dot balls encouraged longer rallies and 310 games were played.
Most of the players were from Julia’s school, with a sprinkling of entrants from the development groups she coaches, plus a few visitors from Harding and Kokstad.
The aim, apart from having fun, was to expose junior players to the mechanics of a tournament and the etiquette of playing in a formal setting, such as they will experience when they join a club in the future.
Julia thanked the numerous sponsors and helpers, especially Spar. The pupil’s parents fulfilled the essential task of umpiring.
“It represents a strong commitment to community service which helps us to emphasise tennis as a family sport that can be played for life,” said Julia.
Uvongo Spar donated vouchers for all the main prizes and supplied runner-up prizes as well.
An endless supply of boerewors rolls were donated by both Uvongo and Abingdon Spar.
The latter donated a Weber which will be used for a fund-raising raffle later this year.
Not to be outdone, Harbour View SuperSpar provided the cold drinks.
The venue, a key element in the successful day, was the splendid and well equipped Tweni tennis courts that also support the Pro Tennis Developmental Group every Saturday morning.
The youngsters are looking forward to the next one, none more so than the Borchers children who set up a makeshift court on the veranda at home the next day!
RESULTS:
U10: D – Hanno Potgieter, C – Timothy Robertson, B – Matthew Robertson, who was also the overall winner.
U12: D – Bakhe Mapekula, C – Ezara Robertson, B – Caitlyn Peckham, A – Hriday Kambaran, who was also the overall winner.
U14: Winner – Michael Potgieter, runner-up – Matthew Borchers.
U16: Winner – Litha Damoyi, runner-up – Uday Manawer.
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