British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

Week 6: Beechwood TC – Team Tennis Warwickshire 9&U Mixed Division 1

Richard Allen, Head Coach at Beechwood, describes week 6 action from Beechwood Tennis Club...

Beechwood’s 9&U team named an unchanged side (after their recent success against Solihull Arden) for the visit of University of Warwick.

Beechwood Team – Evan Mitchell, Thomas McCabe, Adam Duffy, Diarmuid Gaffney

It was a poignant fixture. University of Warwick is a linked venue under the ‘inspiring Coventry Tennis Project’, renowned for having the best players in the area, but under the same inspire2coach guidance as our club. Our players knew it was going to be a tough match, especially as many were friends or simply known to our players. In fact, it was a strange day in particular for Evan Mitchell who had previously played in the winter 9&U event for University of Warwick and also for Tommy Craig, a player who had provided so much success for Beechwood at 8&U level.

Both teams line up ready for action

Both teams looked forward to representing their club with the support of close friends, parents and coaches in wonderful conditions. All players wanted to play especially well in tribute to James Cooper - inspire2coach’s inspirational young coach who was tragically killed whilst on holiday in Florida two weeks ago – who was based at Beechwood and also had many friends at the University – where inspire2coach have their base.

Beechwood’s 9&U team were bought crashing back down to earth after their success in their first match. In reality University of Warwick were just too strong. They were made up of Nationally or Regionally Identified players who just had too much experience for our team. Head of Performance at University of Warwick Matt Thomas, had them well drilled and they looked the real deal.

The match of the day was ironically the first match as Evan Mitchell played well in a close game with Charley Gregory, eventually losing 6-7 4-7.

View the rubber results from the match

Tommy Craig’s usual inquisitive banter provided much amusement - and today seemed even louder and frequent – but it was his birthday so we can excuse him!! Peter Colbourne’s ‘Novak Djokovic ball-bouncing’ routine on his service preparation also provided a fine spectacle. Even his doubles partner Tommy couldn’t keep his eyes off him!!

Peter Colbourne bounces the bowl a 25th time as he prepares to serve!

Overall, the match was played in the right spirit though, and the team will now look forward to travelling to near neighbours Esporta Warwickshire in two weeks time for what is likely to be another tough game.

Final Result: Beechwood 0-20 University of Warwick

The winning team from the University of Warwick. (L-R) Tom Craig, Finlay Smith, Charley Gregory, Peter Colbourne