St Columb’s tournament proves a big hit

Building on the success and popularity of last year’s event, City of Derry Tennis Club, led by coach Peter Fryer, organised another excellent day of competitive tennis for young people which more than doubled its entries this year to more than 50.

There were seven clubs represented in all, as players from as far away as Ballycastle and Irvinestown made the journey to the Waterside to take part in a knockout tournament which catered for all ages and abilities with age groups from under 10 to under 18.

Starting at 10am the preliminary matches began with younger age groups playing on smaller courts and the older groups playing on full size courts.

Committee members from the tennis club were in attendance to umpire and coordinate the event which added to the competitive atmosphere.

The day not only served its purpose as an opportunity for a day of fun tennis, but also gave the juniors a lot of match practice against other players from other clubs who they normally wouldn’t get a chance to play.

This offered them the opportunity to improve their match play tactics and improve their score keeping.

In the under-10 category, young Oisin Sweeney (representing Greencastle) narrowly defeated Nathan Wong in three very close sets to lift the title.

The under-12 title was won by Ballycastle’s Fergal McKernan, retaining the title he won in 2013 by beating Omagh’s Fionnbharr Taggart. McKernan completed the double in the under-14 category as the talented County Antrim player won 6-4 against his club mate and doubles partner Patrick McMullan. Patrick went on to lift the under-16 title defeating City of Derry star Michael Hatrick in a closely fought final. There was standing room only at the courts as parents, guardians and friends all turned out to watch. With a 72-match program on the cards, the courts were full from early morning until late afternoon.

With such huge numbers in both entries and supporters, the event could only be described as a great success for all involved.

There is a junior Easter tennis camp running from tomorrow (Wednesday) until Friday, April 25, from 10am to 12.30pm taking place at St Columb’s Park. Please contact Peter Fryer on 07905 30 0581 to book your child’s place.

The club also welcomes new adult members, with club nights on Mondays and Thursdays 6-9pm and Saturdays 2-5pm.