British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

Richard Allen, Head Coach at Beechwood describes Beechwood 9&U’s Team Tennis fixture at Esporta Warwickshire…

There were strong winds and rain forecast for the day; however we were not too worried – as our fair-weathered friends at Esporta Warwickshire usually book indoor courts for matches of this ilk!!

As we embarked across the city for our third match of the 9&U Mixed Division 1B, we knew we were in for a tricky tie, playing some experienced players at Esporta Warwickshire. The decision was made to select Ruby Channer and Harry Butler for their first matches at this level in this year’s competition. This could have possibly made it an even more daunting prospect for our team – however Ruby and Harry were full of confidence having beaten some of the Esporta players in the Winter Indoor Red League and were relishing the opportunity.

We arrived in good time and the team warmed up with each other. The hosts had not booked the indoor courts and the team were left to get the measure of the blustering wind!!

Adam ducks as the wind creates problems for server Thomas

Esporta played well in all games, particularly with some excellent serving from the girls in the Esporta team. However, Beechwood battled hard to win points and take some of the games to 3 sets.

The match of the day was contested by Joe Marrow (Esporta) and Harry Butler (Beechwood). Joe won the first set 7-2 and an early lead in the second. However, Harry stormed back to win the second 7-4 before pipping Joe on the deciding sudden death point to take the third set and the match. It was Harry’s first win playing in 9&under team competition.

Harry serves against the impressive Thomas Whitwell

There was a similar comeback in the first round of matches as Esporta’s Meeri Jassi came back from a set down to beat Beechwood’s Thomas McCabe in a close 3^rd set. Thomas Whitwell and Maria Timms stole the show winning their singles matches in straight sets. However, Maria had to battle in the doubles while partnering Meeri against Adam Duffy and Thomas McCabe – clinching the match in yet another close 3^rd set.

Maria Timms - victorious in both singles

The match was another example of the raising standards across the city of Coventry. It was lovely to see that the players had learnt some lessons from our match against University of Warwick and conducted themselves really well – as they have done all season. It looks like a 3^rd place finish for the team in the league which the team have enjoyed taking part in.

View the league standings & results for Beechwood 9&U

 Final Result Beechwood 2-18 Esporta Warwickshire