The South Coast welcomed top senior tennis players from around the country to its courts last weekend, for the staging of the Ugu/Pro Kennex National Seniors.

It was serious stuff for those chasing ranking points, but there was also a social aspect for those whose main goal was simply to enjoy the tennis.

The weather was hot, which took its toll on some of those who don’t play much tournament tennis, but are still skilled enough to give the top players a real run.

There was some wonderful camaraderie on display, with players enjoying a drink and a chat after having done their utmost to thrash each other on court shortly before!

Thirteen club members kept Tweni’s flag flying high as they pitted their skills against some of the strongest players in South Africa, with varying degrees of success.

The club is extremely proud of Ian Ackerman’s wins in the men’s singles (MS) 70 and men’s doubles (MD) 65.

Raj Naganna and his partner won the MD 70 where they defeated Neil Perry and Tap Kruger from Tweni and he was runner-up in the MS 70 as well as the mixed doubles (XD) 65.

Sally Pillay came third in the women’s singles (WS) 40, the XD with partner Darral Pillay from Tweni, as well as the WD 35.

Colin Barker and his partner Rene Purtell from Southbroom were runners-up in the XD 50.
Darral and Trevor Pillay came third in the MD 35 and Darral was also third in the MS 30.
Cathy Kirton and Natasha Cotterell were runners-up in the WD 45 and Cathy was third in the XD 65.

Naren Sunker managed to win two out of his three MS 30 group.

Besides the players who did Tweni so proud, there were many helpers throughout the tournament and special mention must be made of Martin Pratt and Raj Naganna for setting everything up on the courts each morning and clearing away in the evening.

Thanks also to Stuart Lyall for manning the tea/coffee table every day, Isabeau le Roux, Jean Marx and Jenny Connellan for providing the lunches each day and to Dave and Elena Whateley for manning the food table on Saturday.

Liesl Smith and Lynne Rorich saw to the players’ liquid refreshment needs, and many members provided eats for tea.

And last, but definitely not least, Chris Connellan is thanked for officiating at the players’ table and keeping everything running smoothly as far as the matches were concerned.

With so many fine contributions, the age groups playing at Tweni were well looked after.

Members are sorry to hear that Anneli Mey is not well and wish her a speedy recovery. Tap Kruger is also wished well after his fall and members are sure he won’t be off tennis for too long!

Great news of our junior member, Michael Potgieter, is that he won the Southbroom Junior Tournament held last weekend.

Belated birthday greetings go to Serena Pendleton-Browne for the 10th and Mary wood for the 14th.

Saturday duty: December 18 – Darral Pillay.

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